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ameliasbooks's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- 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
This is Strout's debut novel and, yes, it shows. That aside you can definitely already see her talent. This book could have done with a bit more editing, because it gets a bit slow in some (small) parts. But is is still great and worth reading.
I loved in particular that this is a book about women and their relationsships of all kinds. Mother/Daughter, Husband/Wife, Female Friendships,...there is so much to unpack in this book. There are men too and they are men who the women adore, even if they shouldn't. It is also about being a single mom, living in a small town, making a lot of mistakes, about hiding things. It took me a bit to get into it, but then I always wanted to pick it up again as soon as I had to put it down. I adored how Strout managed to write a story in which men play a significant role, but at the same time, are not important at all.
I loved in particular that this is a book about women and their relationsships of all kinds. Mother/Daughter, Husband/Wife, Female Friendships,...there is so much to unpack in this book. There are men too and they are men who the women adore, even if they shouldn't. It is also about being a single mom, living in a small town, making a lot of mistakes, about hiding things. It took me a bit to get into it, but then I always wanted to pick it up again as soon as I had to put it down. I adored how Strout managed to write a story in which men play a significant role, but at the same time, are not important at all.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Child abuse, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Child death, Murder, Pregnancy, Infidelity, and Rape
Minor: Cancer
c430's review
dark
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed the writing of this book. It has such lavish descriptions when needed but is still able to get the story across without going overboard. The inner turmoil of the characters are so interesting to watch unfold before your eyes, even side characters feel so realistic and complex. Amy and Isabelle's relationship is heartwrenching and layered and beautiful. There are scenes between the two that I know I will be thinking about for a long while after i put this book back on the shelf.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship and Sexual content
Moderate: Child death and Death
Minor: Abortion, Alcoholism, Kidnapping, and Infidelity
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