smrc's review against another edition
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
colin_cox's review against another edition
1.0
So. I didn't like this book, but there are moments that I genuinely enjoyed. The sense of mystery and the overarching narrative works for the first 300 pages. However, the melodramatic climax is laughably contrived and frustratingly didactic. I also watched the stunning HBO mini-series based on this book, and it is far superior. It simplifies Moriarty's bloated plot and uses the language of cinema to make a tired story work in captivating ways.
thriller_kris's review against another edition
5.0
I feel like this book achieved something that not many books are able to. In that it has so many different layers to it, on the surface it's one thing but the core of it is something else entirely. On the surface of this book it's about some of the struggles different types of mothers face. The core of this book however, is about the pieces of us we choose not to show others and that even though those pieces affect us in our everyday lives it does not stop us from being the strong empowered females that we are meant to be.
The characters were so lifelike in many ways and although I do not have children of my own I felt like I could relate to almost every single one of the three main moms. I almost forgot that there was a murder committed because of how much I enjoyed the humour and the characters. This is definitely one of those books I'd love to read more than once.
The characters were so lifelike in many ways and although I do not have children of my own I felt like I could relate to almost every single one of the three main moms. I almost forgot that there was a murder committed because of how much I enjoyed the humour and the characters. This is definitely one of those books I'd love to read more than once.
kinsey's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
crftyfrnd's review against another edition
5.0
I am loving every book I read by this author. I didn't want to put it down! Highly recommended!
thefireplacelibrary's review against another edition
5.0
This book was SOO much better than anticipated!!! I had already seen the tv show a few years back so I could remember the premise, but the way the author brings each characters personalities to life on the pages, just wow! I am in awe.
I do have a physical copy but I actually read via audiobook, the narrator was SUPERB! Her accent and voice expressions are hands down the best I’ve come across to date. She really brought the story to life, kept my attention and made the listening process tremendously fun.
Usually I hate watching the tv show / movie version first, but it helped me put names to faces and keep track of characters as between the parents and children there are a lot!
My favourite book character was Madeline, her personality was so bright and sparkly, I especially loved the authors writing style of letting you know characters train of thought, it definitely brought a ton of comedic value to an otherwise serious storyline. I also laughed a lot when we got clips of background character parents being interviewed and the hilarious and ridiculous way the other school mums would gossip and completely twist actual events we’d just read about first hand.
I appreciated how the author took a unique spin on Celeste’s character by highlighting how victims of domestic abuse can sometimes be unaware of the depths of the situation and actually portray themselves as being just as guilty as their violent partners because they might defend themselves with returned aggression. I feel this is a thought process that isn’t often highlighted in victims and the author successfully brought more awareness to the intricacies of these situations.
Even though I already knew the ending I was on the edge of my seat during the final events at the school parent teacher party, the author did a fantastic job of building tension and bringing it to a climax.
Reading the book made me want to rewatch the tv show, I loved every minute and this one definitely gets a 5⭐️.
I do have a physical copy but I actually read via audiobook, the narrator was SUPERB! Her accent and voice expressions are hands down the best I’ve come across to date. She really brought the story to life, kept my attention and made the listening process tremendously fun.
Usually I hate watching the tv show / movie version first, but it helped me put names to faces and keep track of characters as between the parents and children there are a lot!
My favourite book character was Madeline, her personality was so bright and sparkly, I especially loved the authors writing style of letting you know characters train of thought, it definitely brought a ton of comedic value to an otherwise serious storyline. I also laughed a lot when we got clips of background character parents being interviewed and the hilarious and ridiculous way the other school mums would gossip and completely twist actual events we’d just read about first hand.
I appreciated how the author took a unique spin on Celeste’s character by highlighting how victims of domestic abuse can sometimes be unaware of the depths of the situation and actually portray themselves as being just as guilty as their violent partners because they might defend themselves with returned aggression. I feel this is a thought process that isn’t often highlighted in victims and the author successfully brought more awareness to the intricacies of these situations.
Even though I already knew the ending I was on the edge of my seat during the final events at the school parent teacher party, the author did a fantastic job of building tension and bringing it to a climax.
Reading the book made me want to rewatch the tv show, I loved every minute and this one definitely gets a 5⭐️.
clementinemac's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Middle aged women’s divorce fiction is too damn good
melissakuzma's review against another edition
4.0
Another great book by Liane Moriarty. She writes great characters AND totally believable and engaging stories, and I love how she wraps everything up at the end - no loose ends!