a_wren_that_reads's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
slow-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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction
Moderate: Death of parent and Abandonment
boba_n_books's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
The author of “When We Believed in Mermaids” does it again. With multiple POVs, O’Neal masterfully weaves in stories from the past and present through 3 women’s perspectives: 2 sisters and their aunt. The older sister struggles with abandonment and anger issues, lashing out and building up impenetrable walls to keep everyone out. The younger sister copes with her grief through openness, honesty, and music. Their aunt floats through life doing whatever she pleases. The aunt eventually is investigated for art fraud which sends everyone into a frenzy as they try to keep her safe while taking care of the sister who gets meningitis. Though all of the hardship and conflict, this family comes out stronger than ever. I truly enjoyed the dynamics and story lines in this novel. O’Neal has a uniquely comforting voice that shares interesting yet somehow relatable stories.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Drug abuse, Toxic relationship, Grief, Emotional abuse, Death of parent, Alcohol, Addiction, and Abandonment
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