Reviews tagging 'Chronic illness'

Ghosts by Dolly Alderton

9 reviews

kirstieanya's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Dolly Alderton is the voice of a generation, and in her debut novel, following her cult-level popular memoir, her voice continues to shine through.

It took me a while to get into this book; however, I think this was more due to a busy life than a disinterest in the book because every time I picked it up, I laughed out loud and didn't want to stop reading.

The theme of ghosts is haunt the story throughout, but not just in the primary form of 'ghosting'. The novel also explores personal ghosts—the ghosts of our own pasts, old relationships, and the ghosts of people we hold onto years after they have changed. The core of this book is about growing up, away, and apart from people in your life. 

There was a lot of heart and meaningful questions, as well as Alderton's sharp wit and observations.

I wasn't overly emotionally attached to any of the characters, but that didn't make me relate to their problems and experiences more.
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theabee's review against another edition

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

4.0

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alexisgarcia's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective 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

5.0

this book came to me at perfect time in my life. dolly alderton writes some of the some realistic characters i’ve ever read. her characters are flawed and just so human. the themes of ghosts and self contentment are so well done. i love how the story actually revolves around the main character, rather than the main character AND the love interest. it involved the main characters whole life, her romantic relationships, friendships, family, and even her relationship with herself. i just adored this book and will read anything dolly alderton writes till the end of time <3
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leonormsousa's review against another edition

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emotional funny fast-paced
  • 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

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cerilouisereads's review against another edition

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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? It's complicated

3.0

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marisa_thorne's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective sad 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

4.0

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kitty03's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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snowhitereads's review against another edition

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emotional reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

 
I’ve read Ghosts by Dolly Alderton, and I’m… conflicted.


I really liked the concept of ghosts, not only in terms of the obvious modern day ghosting, and how our past originates some ghosts, and how dementia makes you face ghosts head on everyday.

My favourite dynamic in this book was actually between Nina and Katherine, portraying how friendships change over time. Their reconciliation was probably the best part of the book.

Now.. the parts that were my least favorite.

I found most of the characters were quite flat and cliché. The middle age crisis mom, the unlucky at love best friend, the girl frustrated by her man child husband, and creppy turned adorable neighbour. Take a pick, we have it all in this book.

But, above all else, I have a problem with the feminism in this book. Although there is an alleged feminist discourse throughtout the book, I didn’t find genuine at all. 

The main character gave off very “woke” and I’m not like other girls' vibes. Her passive aggressive and self-righteous tension towards her married & parent friends and judgemental behaviour towards every woman who wasn’t exactly like herself made me mad. 

Overall, this book was enjoyable but frustrating at the same time… if that makes any sense at all. 
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thoroughlyenjoyedbooks's review against another edition

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emotional informative reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

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