Reviews

All My Mother's Lovers by Ilana Masad

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readswithrosie's review

4.0

If you love contemporary fiction that centers around family and LGBTQIAA+ relationships, this is your book.

All My Mother’s Lovers follows Maggie, a 24 year old Jewish woman who is dealing with the sudden death of her mother. She returns home to her father, who is shut down after her death, and her younger brother. Maggie and her mother had a somewhat distant relationship, and Maggie still holds resentment towards her mother for not accepting her sexuality. But when Maggie finds letters addressed from her mother to men she hasn’t heard of (to be sent out after her death), she starts her quest to track down and hand deliver the letters to these unknown men. As the title implies, Maggie’s mother had relationships with these men of some kind, which leaves Maggie angry, resentful, and trying to figure out why and how her mother led this separate life.

Let me start by saying this is a beautiful look at the intricate relationships in a family, particularly mother-daughter. It shows the complexities of religion, upbringing, privilege, gender, and sexuality, and how those intertwine to shape a persons experience. I had a very hard time relating to anyone in this story, particularly Maggie. I am careful not to judge too harshly, as my upbringing and life experience has been different than hers, but considering she’s my age, I think it’s fair to point out her way of looking at the world and handling situations seemed immature and angsty at times. That being said, I really appreciate the way her view of her relationship with her mom shifted as she gained more understanding and insight into her mom through this journey- that was a special thing to see (I’m a therapist and therefore a sucker for bonding moments). And generally, I was sucked in to the story and just HAD to know how these men fit into her moms life. Perfect when paired with lots of popcorn, the AC blowing, and a comfy spot in bed. 3.6⭐️

kkrym's review against another edition

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emotional funny inspiring mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix

5.0

wooloholic17's review against another edition

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emotional funny reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

obviouschild96's review against another edition

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emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

vroomzies's review against another edition

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3.0

WHOOOOAAAA this was like really really good omg like by 95% of the books ending i was so confused of iris reasons and stuff BUT THEN gosh everything was explained and I'm like wow I'm so wow i feel so bittersweet this was too good

Edit: i took off a star because I'm like still not satisfied with iris reasons and I'm AWARE shes not supposed to be the perfect character but like like yes i get Peter and iris but I'm still .... yeah

jessaurand's review against another edition

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2.0

Pretty slow start but it picked up in the middle. I kind of feel like it fell off at the end. If you’ve started it and youre checking this review, I recommend finishing. Probably wouldn’t recommend to a friend though.