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madelinedalton's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I think the author wanted this novel’s “thesis statement” to be: “Even high-achieving, strong, kind women make themselves small for men without realizing it, and that is a tragedy.” Unfortunately, it fails to deliver on this front because almost all of the chapters are centered around the shitty men in their lives rather than the other positive qualities they supposedly possess. If the book had given more reasons to like Joy, Annie, and Celine—and had shown them to the reader rather than telling us they’re there (such as being told Joy is amazing at her job but never seeing her at work)—I would have loved it. I would have been so infuriated by the way these men treated them. But instead, I found myself emotionally detached. Their stunted communication skills and life problems also seemed unrealistic for women in their early 30s.
I also felt like the hatred of their bodies was a bit too graphic and distressing given that there was little resolution on that topic. Joy has a full blown eating disorder, but the book just ended with “sometimes I eat ice cream now!” instead of her getting proper treatment.
ANYWAY, as a mid-20s woman, I want to read stories about women who are trying their best and have some admirable qualities but still struggle, not walking disasters who have gone three decades never once questioning their realities.
I also felt like the hatred of their bodies was a bit too graphic and distressing given that there was little resolution on that topic. Joy has a full blown eating disorder, but the book just ended with “sometimes I eat ice cream now!” instead of her getting proper treatment.
ANYWAY, as a mid-20s woman, I want to read stories about women who are trying their best and have some admirable qualities but still struggle, not walking disasters who have gone three decades never once questioning their realities.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming and Sexual assault
Moderate: Eating disorder
Minor: Sexual content
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