123jojo321's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
orangecardboard's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
grem_ler's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-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? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Suicidal thoughts, Self harm, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Death, Eating disorder, and Classism
Minor: Antisemitism
hannah_davison_'s review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
bronteide's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
It's a very touching book, which reads very fast. I loved all the conversations between Sylvie and Andrée, and it was interesting to learn more about France between the two world wars.
What struck me the most, was the fact that de Beauvoir wrote this book 30 years after the death of Zaza, and she still remembers this early friendship very vividly, so much so that she returns to it in her works again and again and again! It's interesting how much early friendships can have influence over our lives.
I also could relate to that strong feeling of love and respect that Sylvie feeld towards Andrée, I had some friends like that in the past, I think. Of course it's also interesting how much of that feeling is platonic and how much is romantic.
I loved the included extracts from the letters between de Beauvoir and Zaza, the way people wrote to each other back then is so intimate and this kind of intimacy is what I hope to find in my friendships.
Another thing that really struck me is the end of the story, when M. Gallard replies to his wife's tears by "We were only the instruments of God". If God wants you to lead your daughter into illness, madness and eventually death, why do you choose follow him instead of saving your daughter? Isn't her life more valuable to you than your faith? Madame Gallard's character is very interesting, in her youth she suffered the same things she makes her daughters go through, and it's an endless cycle of abuse and unhappiness.
I took one star down because I wanted the writing to be more discriptive in times.
What struck me the most, was the fact that de Beauvoir wrote this book 30 years after the death of Zaza, and she still remembers this early friendship very vividly, so much so that she returns to it in her works again and again and again! It's interesting how much early friendships can have influence over our lives.
I also could relate to that strong feeling of love and respect that Sylvie feeld towards Andrée, I had some friends like that in the past, I think. Of course it's also interesting how much of that feeling is platonic and how much is romantic.
I loved the included extracts from the letters between de Beauvoir and Zaza, the way people wrote to each other back then is so intimate and this kind of intimacy is what I hope to find in my friendships.
Another thing that really struck me is the end of the story, when M. Gallard replies to his wife's tears by "We were only the instruments of God". If God wants you to lead your daughter into illness, madness and eventually death, why do you choose follow him instead of saving your daughter? Isn't her life more valuable to you than your faith? Madame Gallard's character is very interesting, in her youth she suffered the same things she makes her daughters go through, and it's an endless cycle of abuse and unhappiness.
I took one star down because I wanted the writing to be more discriptive in times.
jenggala's review against another edition
4.5
I had only one idea of love: the love I felt for her.
this was. a Lot, admittedly. i need time to process it properly.
i do really like the portrayal of friendship here.. my heart aches in seeing what it feels displayed so vulgar and bare, almost innocent, through sylvie and andree.
nuriaaa's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
lu3ia's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0