aliciaallen's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Death, Child death, and Grief
Moderate: Suicide and Pregnancy
Minor: Violence and War
abi_g_mac's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Explores the impact of turning a blind eye to your own privilege and consequently other people's experiences, particularly in terms of immigration and disability.
Augusta seems to be the only member of her family who is outward looking and actively seeking to learn more about the wider world. Although this means she often comes across as a pretentious child she is ultimately a relatable and likable character.
The contrast between her early life and Parfait's are stark. Punctuated by tragedy Parfait's story weaves themes of civil war and violence through the narrative.
Both dreaming of escape to Spain it's obvious their paths will cross eventually, the tension is in when, how and will they learn the truth of the tragedy that connects them.
Moderate: Child death, Suicide, and Grief
Minor: War and Racism
bookforthought's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Suicide, Child death, and Grief
Moderate: Addiction
Minor: Racism
nicola4e's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Child death and Suicide
Moderate: Grief
mrsrjg's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
As I digress, much as I feel Augusta would, I absolutely fell in love with this book and also with the character of Augusta; so much so that I was a bit downhearted when it came to Parfait's chapters, I understand why they were there though but just preferred them a little less. I normally don't like books where everything is connected as it always just feels a bit convenient but in this book it is done so well that I actually really enjoyed it.
The only other thing I felt a bit strange about was Diego not being told a big event towards the end which I didn't feel was right nor was it ever really explained why he wasn't told.
Apart from those minor issues, I absolutely loved this and it's absolutely a book I could read time and time again.
Graphic: Suicide and Child death
sophhcl's review
- 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
3.75
Graphic: Suicide and Infertility
Moderate: Addiction, Alcohol, and Alcoholism
laureneg11's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Suicide, Animal death, Child death, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Grief
norwegianforestreader's review
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Genocide, Grief, Pregnancy, Rape, Suicide, and War
novellenovels's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Child death, Emotional abuse, Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, and Suicide
jessicapolson's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Moderate: Suicide and Rape