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chaoticmissadventures's review
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
French authors seem to do the utmost in slim novels. I loved this.
The writing is stark but moving, I was mesmerized by one liners throughout -
"Maman and my sister loved each other like wild things, they would have killed each other in order to prove it."
"She smoked like a chimney, and the expression suited her, I thought, because she was also our hearth."
"We had to do the impossible, but my sister and I were capable of that; nothing was impossible where Maman was concerned, except for saving her."
The characters are richly and vividly drawn, and you can feel the manic and depressiveness the mother goes through.
The story is laid out in three parts, first from the youngest daughters POV, then an overlook of the mothers life, and back to the youngest daughter to wrap up, and it was perfect way to look at the lives. I especially liked how I had a completely different view of the father from section one then in section two.
The writing is stark but moving, I was mesmerized by one liners throughout -
"Maman and my sister loved each other like wild things, they would have killed each other in order to prove it."
"She smoked like a chimney, and the expression suited her, I thought, because she was also our hearth."
"We had to do the impossible, but my sister and I were capable of that; nothing was impossible where Maman was concerned, except for saving her."
The characters are richly and vividly drawn, and you can feel the manic and depressiveness the mother goes through.
The story is laid out in three parts, first from the youngest daughters POV, then an overlook of the mothers life, and back to the youngest daughter to wrap up, and it was perfect way to look at the lives. I especially liked how I had a completely different view of the father from section one then in section two.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Incest, Mental illness, Rape, Sexual assault, and Suicide
stephaniejaykay's review
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This novel tells of growing up in the shadow of a larger-than-life woman who lived hard and struggled with mental illness: gripping, dense, beautifully written, beautifully translated.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Chronic illness, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Child abuse, Incest, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Animal cruelty and Animal death
thebristolreader's review
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape and Suicide