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jenniferbowman's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
HOWEVER…I was left scratching my head at the ending—from the quickly rolling pace of the climax on, I craved a surprise twist that would leave me reeling and chuckling with surprise. But…the loose ends, although tied up, did not feel complete.
When it comes to a book like this with multiple timelines, I want all of those timelines to be tied together in an inseparable way. This felt more like two separate stories that were related, BUT…I really wish they had been better connected as one.
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Infertility, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Blood, Vomit, Medical trauma, Abortion, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, and Classism
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Terminal illness, Violence, Vomit, Pregnancy, Toxic friendship, and Sexual harassment
emichalo's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Minor: Miscarriage, Suicide, and Murder
lisa_hin's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Death, Drug use, Infertility, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Abortion, Suicide attempt, Murder, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
deestreet's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Child death, Infertility, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Suicide, Terminal illness, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Adult/minor relationship and Pedophilia
odcosta's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Death, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Suicide, and Murder
nancykz's review against another edition
- 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
4.25
Caroline and James are about to enjoy two weeks in London as a celebration of their tenth wedding anniversary when Caroline sees a text that unravels their marriage. Taking her best friend’s advice, Caroline goes on the trip solo to have the space she needs to figure things out.
Told along two timelines, Caroline is intrigued by a glass vial etched with a bear she finds while mudlarking — a complete whim brought her to join a group. As she traces back the origin and story of the vial in real time, we move through the vials owners in the past.
Well written and executed. The last chapter could have been removed — felt like it was there for readers who may have missed the point. I like to be trusted as a reader.
Graphic: Death and Blood
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Suicide
Personally I thought the sensitive/triggering things were handled gently. That’s not to say others’ reactions won’t be different.leirarae'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
Graphic: Death
Minor: Child death, Suicide, and Sexual harassment
grace33's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Infertility, Infidelity, Miscarriage, and Murder
Moderate: Death and Suicide
Minor: Pedophilia and Sexual assault
guardiangel07's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I think I expected or wished for more cross-over between the two timelines apart from just the discovery of the vial. Frankly, I thought that the Nella-Eliza story could standalone without Caroline's story. Didn't really understand the need for Caroline's story in the grander scheme of the book.
Moderate: Miscarriage and Murder
Minor: Sexual assault, Suicide, and Abortion
pinetree_reads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
And it was a great decision.
I really like the characters and the depth that they have to them. The Author really knows how to highlight the struggle of the woman who lived in this time.
It was heartfelt and emotional.
I hope Caroline gets to live her dream. I think she and Gaynor will have a great friendship - maybe even more.
The only thing I would say was not as good as the book was the marketing. I think the description leads a lot of people into reading the book with false expectations. It's not even clear that the path of not two, but three woman interwind. I think people would not be disappointed by the book if it was made clear that it would talk about the life of these three - in different times.
Graphic: Miscarriage, Misogyny, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Murder, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Chronic illness, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Blood