greatexpectations77's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- 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
4.5
I really enjoyed this book. It's quick, but it feels incredibly human. The format seems to mimic the dizzying effect of sudden grief and the quagmire of emotions between love and hate and loneliness and longing and then trying to pretend that you're okay enough to keep participating in capitalism.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, and Abandonment
Moderate: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Mental illness, Pregnancy, Car accident, and Bullying
Minor: Eating disorder, Vomit, Toxic friendship, Abortion, and Sexual content
bookswithtrish's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
kelseymckelsey's review against another edition
5.0
This was a quick read and beautifully written. The ending was rather abrupt, but very surprising. Crossan’s writing is elegant and polished. I would read again.
the_neverending_book_pile's review against another edition
3.0
A very different genre of book for me, but it was surprisingly enjoyable. When I realised it was not a novel I wasn’t really sure whether I would finish it, poetry isn’t my usual style, but it was a really easy read.
The book itself was like being inside someone’s head & hearing their every thought... obscene, offensive, insecure & mundane... all of them. While Ana’s character wasn’t one I could relate to, it was interesting to read. I put the book down feeling confused about whether she was deranged or just pushed to the brink because of the circumstances of the relationship. Who would you be in her shoes, taking aside the moral conflicts of infidelity? I felt a bit like I should start a diary when I’d finished.
The book itself was like being inside someone’s head & hearing their every thought... obscene, offensive, insecure & mundane... all of them. While Ana’s character wasn’t one I could relate to, it was interesting to read. I put the book down feeling confused about whether she was deranged or just pushed to the brink because of the circumstances of the relationship. Who would you be in her shoes, taking aside the moral conflicts of infidelity? I felt a bit like I should start a diary when I’d finished.
eimearnolan's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
eunicek82's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.5
Dark and twisty. This one shows how grief can show up in the most unexpected of situations.
leelock's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
tania_rj's review
3.0
I’m not sure what to think about this one. I don’t mind free verse, I’m getting to quite enjoy it now. In parts it worked so well with the flow of conscious and the chaotic thoughts - other times it felt strangled and disruptive to the flow. I feel like free verse works here, but maybe a little less so would have been better, a bit more along the lines of Girl, Woman, Other.
I hated Ans. She was so annoying. Connor felt like a side character. I actually wanted to now more about Rebecca, what was true and what wasn’t from the way Connor framed her and how Ana wanted to see her.
I really did love the final few lines, I thought it was a great and so what hopeful way for it to end.
I hated Ans. She was so annoying. Connor felt like a side character. I actually wanted to now more about Rebecca, what was true and what wasn’t from the way Connor framed her and how Ana wanted to see her.
I really did love the final few lines, I thought it was a great and so what hopeful way for it to end.
oliviasnowdrop's review against another edition
4.5
This reminded me quite a lot of my own writing during a certain period in my life, or at least, the feeling I was trying to convey. To reference my own book, Ants in a Jam Jar: this has very “Cocoon” and “Metamorphosis” vibes. (This review isn’t helpful for anyone else, I’m sorry).