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madeline's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Plots that revolve around swapping places or secret identities give me a lot of anxiety. Oftentimes I spend the whole book just waiting for the other shoe to drop, because obviously it has to be coming. I was notably less anxious while reading this book, though, in part because I think Dent really conveys Birdy's desperation so well. The reader understands just how badly Birdy longs for family and acceptance, and I found the reason that she can't tell everyone who she really is compelling as well.
I'm also not a huge fan of the helpless adult as a character -- at some point you've got to get your act together, right? -- and was very gratified to see how Birdy throws herself into learning wine, protecting Heather's reputation and also demonstrating the ability to grow. This went a long way towards redeeming her for me.
In the end, I found some plot points tenuous, and some fatphobia the author would do well to reflect on. There's discussion here and there about Birdy's relationship with her body, particularly in comparison to Heather's smaller one, as well as dietary choices and restrictions. At one point, James encourages Birdy to rethink her relationship with food, but it really goes nowhere. Thoughts about Birdy's body go nowhere but could have been utilized really effectively as she develops a better understanding of herself and who she is as an independent human being. This bit should have been fleshed out or eliminated.
I'm also not a huge fan of the helpless adult as a character -- at some point you've got to get your act together, right? -- and was very gratified to see how Birdy throws herself into learning wine, protecting Heather's reputation and also demonstrating the ability to grow. This went a long way towards redeeming her for me.
In the end, I found some plot points tenuous, and some fatphobia the author would do well to reflect on. There's discussion here and there about Birdy's relationship with her body, particularly in comparison to Heather's smaller one, as well as dietary choices and restrictions. At one point, James encourages Birdy to rethink her relationship with food, but it really goes nowhere. Thoughts about Birdy's body go nowhere but could have been utilized really effectively as she develops a better understanding of herself and who she is as an independent human being. This bit should have been fleshed out or eliminated.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia
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