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rayne31's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
testaroscia's review against another edition
2.0
It was on a list of best Historical Novels for 2022 and I cant really fathom why it made the list. The Story had so much potential, especially as it was based on a true person but the story screams YA, and not even for young adults with a brain, but ones that want everything spelt out for them. So you saw everything coming, including the clichés of Irish rascals.
rgoodhart's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely loved this!
I’d not heard of it or the author when I saw this in my local bookshop but I liked the blurb and I’m so pleased I gave it a go.
I often think I don’t like historical fiction but actually I love getting a sense of what life was like at a different point in time.
This was so easy to read (in a good way) and I devoured it. An interesting story with plenty of different elements. The only bit I didn’t enjoy was leading up to the inevitable betrayal… I just wanted to tell Durie to watch out!
I’d not heard of it or the author when I saw this in my local bookshop but I liked the blurb and I’m so pleased I gave it a go.
I often think I don’t like historical fiction but actually I love getting a sense of what life was like at a different point in time.
This was so easy to read (in a good way) and I devoured it. An interesting story with plenty of different elements. The only bit I didn’t enjoy was leading up to the inevitable betrayal… I just wanted to tell Durie to watch out!
lori_mues's review against another edition
5.0
This book made me sob in a good way. It will be added to my favourite books, it’s so good.
chrispr's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
chimm's review against another edition
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
This started as a 5 star read for me but love interests took the centre stage for the second half at the expense of herself and other relationships and that's just not something I want to read about. This was supposed to be a fantastical escape novel. The author quickly shoe horned in a happy ending in a way I really liked but if she was going to do that she needed a full third act to bring me round to loving the story again.
Overall, I'm glad I read it and the author's note at the end sent me down a research rabbit hole which was highly entertaining as well!
Overall, I'm glad I read it and the author's note at the end sent me down a research rabbit hole which was highly entertaining as well!
stepephanie's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
navayiota's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Absolutely captivating!! I can't believe so much of it is based on a real story. The author did an incredible job bringing England's famous female bonesetter back to life, and the suspense of the plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Endurance is also amazing autism representation!
This was one of those books that simply broke my heart, only to heal-(set?) it not long after. I finished it in two sittings. Absolute masterpiece of a book, I'm so glad I couldn't sleep and decided to pick it up. MUST READ!
This was one of those books that simply broke my heart, only to heal-(set?) it not long after. I finished it in two sittings. Absolute masterpiece of a book, I'm so glad I couldn't sleep and decided to pick it up. MUST READ!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Death, Fatphobia, Misogyny, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Alcoholism, Animal death, Child death, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, and Alcohol
jmyers1's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This book was harmless and heartwarming, and I was really rooting for the characters. The narration felt almost felt like a children's book but I got over it.