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wraithlike's review against another edition
Painful and triggering in parts, without any hope for comfort.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer and Toxic relationship
themagicalbeard's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
taraqhiggins's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
My favorite book I’ve read all year.
liljainthepages's review against another edition
1.0
What was that... I started reading this book in paper and switched to audio at about 30% because I couldn't take it anymore. I even re-listened to the beginning because I was sure that I must have missed something that would explain this but no.
This book has one of the most unlikable characters you could come up with but, while that can be enjoyable, in this case there was no rhyme or reason to it. There were no redeeming qualities and the other characters were almost equally infuriating. The story barely moved with awkward time jumps and an annoying repetitiveness. This one will not stay on my shelves.
This book has one of the most unlikable characters you could come up with but, while that can be enjoyable, in this case there was no rhyme or reason to it. There were no redeeming qualities and the other characters were almost equally infuriating. The story barely moved with awkward time jumps and an annoying repetitiveness. This one will not stay on my shelves.
horsley123's review against another edition
2.0
One of those books that is crafted rather than written - it fits into the North London genre - sort of Monica Ali/Zadie Smith-like. It is an examination of an arty family, who behave as if they are more cultured, knowing and refined than mere mortals, and hence their pain is deeper and more emotionally felt than you and I. As you can tell, I did not like them as a family, they are the sort of people I would scurry away from and thank my husband and family for being simple, straight forward beings.
Not liking the cast of characters is not necessarily a disaster when it comes to a book, if they all get their comeuppance it can be very satisfying. However this tale is a real slow starter, I really had to work at reading it, then suddenly towards the end lots of action occurs. The narrator changes every paragraph so it took a bit of work to establish the thoughts and action to a particular character, which with the various goings on is quite important. Being positive - I finished it.
Not liking the cast of characters is not necessarily a disaster when it comes to a book, if they all get their comeuppance it can be very satisfying. However this tale is a real slow starter, I really had to work at reading it, then suddenly towards the end lots of action occurs. The narrator changes every paragraph so it took a bit of work to establish the thoughts and action to a particular character, which with the various goings on is quite important. Being positive - I finished it.
sam_jja's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
kerriebarrett's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
whimsyandwitt's review against another edition
3.0
Pretty sure I hated all of these characters and their relationships. So much anxiety to be had.
booksemmahasread's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Grief, Abortion, Suicide attempt, Pregnancy, and Alcohol