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utopiaandmelancholy's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- 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
4.5
I found this a really compelling read; while I was gripped by the mystery set up by the start, I was buoyed along on Katie's perspective on the tribulations of growing up and trying to escape the small town she grew up in. The almost 'mean girls'-like dynamic between the central characters was hard to read at times, because I wanted so much better for Katie and Maeve. I particularly appreciated the depiction of growing up in a small rural town as complex rather than simply idyllic. As a young woman and recent graduate, this relatable story with a hopeful ending was a book I really needed right now.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death
Minor: Alcoholism
serendipitysbooks's review
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
You Have to Make Your Own Fun Around Here is a compulsively readable coming of age tale set in Ireland. It is narrated by Katie. We first meet her and her best friends Evelyn and Maeve in their pre-teen years. I really connected to this section of the story and I felt the author nailed the inherent insecurity of that age, evident in the way girls sometimes feel about themselves and the way this can manifest in unhealthy and unkind behaviours to those who are supposedly friends. The friendship between the three was often toxic - especially when Evelyn was involved. I also felt the portrayal of village life and the interactions between those living there was spot on. Again I found it very relatable.
The story follows the trio through their early adult years which for Katie involved moving to Dublin for university, struggling to feel at home in the city and then facing difficulties establishing herself in a job - let alone her dream career. Personally I related less to this stage of Katie’s life - although I know it will ring true for many.
The characters were richly drawn, realistic, and well-rounded. I can’t be the only reader who knew girls just like them growing up. I especially loved Katie’s voice. Her tone which was witty and sarcastic when warranted definitely appealed to me. And I highly recommend the audio. The narrator’s authentic Irish accent was far better than what I could have conjured in my head. Combined with the first person point of view, it really bought Katie to life for me.
In amongst the themes of friendship and growing up and moving on was a mystery surrounding the disappearance of Pamela, a new girl whose arrival in the village really upended the dynamic between Katie, Evelyn and Maeve. Although the impact of her disappearance was evident I was surprised that the mystery didn’t feature more prominently in the plot. That and it’s lack of a definite resolution, although hints and clues were dropped at the end, were my only real issues with this story. It was one I thoroughly enjoyed.
The story follows the trio through their early adult years which for Katie involved moving to Dublin for university, struggling to feel at home in the city and then facing difficulties establishing herself in a job - let alone her dream career. Personally I related less to this stage of Katie’s life - although I know it will ring true for many.
The characters were richly drawn, realistic, and well-rounded. I can’t be the only reader who knew girls just like them growing up. I especially loved Katie’s voice. Her tone which was witty and sarcastic when warranted definitely appealed to me. And I highly recommend the audio. The narrator’s authentic Irish accent was far better than what I could have conjured in my head. Combined with the first person point of view, it really bought Katie to life for me.
In amongst the themes of friendship and growing up and moving on was a mystery surrounding the disappearance of Pamela, a new girl whose arrival in the village really upended the dynamic between Katie, Evelyn and Maeve. Although the impact of her disappearance was evident I was surprised that the mystery didn’t feature more prominently in the plot. That and it’s lack of a definite resolution, although hints and clues were dropped at the end, were my only real issues with this story. It was one I thoroughly enjoyed.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death
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