Reviews with content warning for Domestic abuse - Lost For Words

The story follows Loveday, an introverted book lover with a lot of past trauma, who works at Lost for Words bookshop. Throughout the story you learn about her past and follow her in the present. I loved the story and Loveday was so relatable. It is told using flashbacks, going to the past and coming back to the present. Each chapter you get to know a little bit more about Loveday and by the end you feel like she has opened her life to you, much like she has to the characters in the book. The growth of her is so well done and the ending is actually pretty unpredictable, which I enjoyed.

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kimberlymichelle's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I borrowed the audio version from the library.
The audio book reader, Imogen Church, was absolutely perfect. Her interpretation of Loveday's story made me absolutely root for Loveday, and inspired compassion, rather than annoyance, for her self-sabotaging behavior.

The supporting characters were believably drawn and complex. There was enough emotional progress being made to keep me turning the pages. The humor was insightful and/or self-deprecating. The passion for books and their potential to have a powerful influence on our wellbeing was tangible.
The relationships complex and true. The judgements we make from the superficial, and the one's we make when we gain intimacy were well articulated. There is always more to discover, isn't there?

I cared. I laughed and cried.

The main ideas that linger after reading are that there are so many ways and degrees to which we can hurt the one's we love. Does it really matter if we "didn't mean it?" The consequences can be anywhere from deadly to trust damaging. And what if the person we love, and are hurting, is ourselves?
Also, acknowledge the power you have. Who gets to choose the life you will lead? Your next steps? When do you take the reins and when do you give them up, and why?

I wonder if I would have loved this book so much if it hadn't been read to me... I will buy it and find out.

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cmmatsko's review

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emotional medium-paced

4.0

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violetsto_'s review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful reflective 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

I went into this book blind, expecting a cozy bookstore romance based on the title and cover, and now my heart hurts (in a good way)! This was an unexpectedly sad book, but still a joy to read.

Likes:
- Poetry / Crime / History: The split timelines were executed so well! Perfect pacing
- Loveday is a bit gloomy and prickly, but a very endearing protagonist
- Archie is such a sweetheart and dandy to boot
- What reader doesn't want to work in a cute little mom/pop bookstore?

Dislikes:
- THE ENDING, iykyk
- I am not sure how I feel about Rob's character and his narrative purpose in the overall plot

Not a like or dislike, but this book is VERY English. I can't look up words very well when reading on the bus so had to guess and hope for the best!

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cibani's review against another edition

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dark lighthearted reflective fast-paced

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