Scan barcode
fatima_'s review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Infidelity, Suicidal thoughts, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Child death, Incest, Sexual content, and Car accident
tashadandelion's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This is a slow-burn book; you don't quite realize what the plot is until you're a good third of the way through, and that's ok, because it's complex, and deep, and there's lots to think about here. I found the story lyrical and melancholy; reflective and hopeful. It's peak-French, too, if that's your thing. I enjoyed it, though had I known the heart of the story revolved around the death of the protagonist's child and the mystery around those circumstances I might have been hesitant to pick up this story. I'm glad I did anyway, because this book got me through a particularly rough week and was a welcome respite when I could steal a little time for reading. The epitaphs quoted at the beginning of each chapter were wonderful; I imagine these were collected from real graves by the author. They were too varied and quirky to be anything but real. (At least, I would like to believe!) I also came across an excellent quote-worthy point: "It's only egoists who tremble over their own death. Everyone else trembles for those they leave behind."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity and Misogyny
Moderate: Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Grief
Minor: Suicide