another_avid_bookreader's review against another edition
Moderate: Homophobia
jkatey's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
Moderate: Homophobia and Rape
dylangodfreyy's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Spoiler
I would have preferred some clarity on whether Howard survived the train crash, however I recognise this as a choice to create a shocking and open-ended endingModerate: Chronic illness, Terminal illness, Sexual assault, and Rape
Minor: War and Homophobia
princessemily's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
I have already recommended this to several friends.
Spoiler
Contrary to everyone’s belief that the ending was unnecessary I thought it further demonstrated the importance of taking the time to enjoy the “small pleasures” of life when you can. I was thankful that there was some ambiguity and we were not forced to witness the reaction of Jean, Gretchen and Margaret when they receive the news. The ending absolutely devastated me and I certainly needed some recovery time to stop crying but given the entire book is rooted in the reality of mundane and empathic life I found the ending to be equally realistic and a better fit than a “happily ever after”.Minor: Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Homophobia, and Rape
shonagh_catherine's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
The character studies and relationships are natural and drag the reader into the story with our emotions being strung along watching these relationships develop. The variety of mother-daughter relationships explored and ultimately juxtaposed are enlightening, reassuring, and somewhat familiar to read.
However, whilst I enjoyed large parts of this book I have some issues with how the plot developed: specificall I was uncomfortable with the use of and treatment of certain characters who represent some marginalised groups within society who eneded up used as plot devices and were treated somewhat distastefully.
As for the last chapter... well I think ultimately that chapter is open to what the reader brings to it - I would argue the reader is invited to write their own ending to the novel (whether it be optimistic or not.) That being said I appreciate the issues many readers have felt with the final chapter which nearly seems to swallow whole and distort the optimism of the previous chapter.
Overall the novel has some gorgeous prose, littered with delicate descriptions of domestic life and the importance of friendships especially for those who are isolated. However, the novel also has some harsh interjections of crule reality and it reminds the reader that there may be a more sinister side to life which I found jarring at times given the over all tone of the novel.
Minor: Lesbophobia, Homophobia, and Ableism
heyitskali's review against another edition
Graphic: Homophobia
fleursreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Medical content, Homophobia, and Infidelity
Minor: Rape
spookyaz's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Minor: Homophobia, Ableism, Alcohol, Terminal illness, Abortion, Confinement, Death, Toxic relationship, Suicide, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, and Medical trauma
annajanen's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Minor: Homophobia, Rape, and Sexual assault
kaymichelle's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Graphic: Rape and Death
Moderate: Homophobia