lindsmann's review against another edition
emotional
sad
slow-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
3.5
Adelaide follows a 20-something American living in London as she navigates life and relationships.
^This is essentially all I knew about this book before going into it. Which, those that have read will know that isn't even the half of it.
^This is essentially all I knew about this book before going into it. Which, those that have read will know that isn't even the half of it.
This book gave me maaaajor It Ends With Us vibes, and I don't mean that as a compliment. Adelaide is a perpetual people-pleasing doormat of a person and I found it difficult to continue reading at times. Not because the subject matter itself was difficult but because Adelaide as a character was extremely frustrating.
Spoiler
I found that the level of devotion and adoration Adelaide had for Rory relative to 1) the affection he ever showed for her and 2) how deep their relationship ever felt was so off balance. I never felt that Rory promised much to her, and it felt like she kept clinging onto the idea of their relationship simply because he was on paper (and especially looks wise) who she saw herself with.And that just doesn't cut it for me. It made it feel wholly unbelievable that she would continue to put herself through all of Rory's shitty behavior. And maybe I'm naive or biased in this realm, but that was my perception.
I also feel like there was not one single chapter where she wasn't either crying or throwing up or both. And I'm just very not into the weak/ needs-a-man-to-swoop-in-and-solve-her-problems FMC trope.
Some might argue that's not what happens here, but Adelaide works on herself for like......5 pages before she finds Bubs on the apps again. So I think this qualifies.
Some might argue that's not what happens here, but Adelaide works on herself for like......5 pages before she finds Bubs on the apps again. So I think this qualifies.
All of the above being said, I did think the book was technically well written and it kept me engaged the whole time, so that's where the 3.5 rating is coming from.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Death, and Sexual assault
wellreadmegs's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-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
I picked this book up on a whim at the library because I had seen it on bookstagram and had no idea what to expect - went into it blind and I'm so glad it did!
This book was a quick one to get through with short chapters and a really interesting narrative. Between flashbacks & foreshadowing, this book piques your interest. Adelaide and Rory's relationship was hot & cold & you felt every up and down. Her friends were incredible and we always love a book that features supportive female friendships.
This book was a rollercoaster but I enjoyed it all the same. The dark academia romance, the trials and tribulations of your 20s, & mental health discussions. The only thing that drove me nuts in the book was that the author used italics for dialogue instead of quotes so it made it confusing at times to understand what was being said by whom and whether it was actually being said or just a thought.
That drove me nuts. It was giving Normal People without the quotation marks.
This book was a quick one to get through with short chapters and a really interesting narrative. Between flashbacks & foreshadowing, this book piques your interest. Adelaide and Rory's relationship was hot & cold & you felt every up and down. Her friends were incredible and we always love a book that features supportive female friendships.
This book was a rollercoaster but I enjoyed it all the same. The dark academia romance, the trials and tribulations of your 20s, & mental health discussions. The only thing that drove me nuts in the book was that the author used italics for dialogue instead of quotes so it made it confusing at times to understand what was being said by whom and whether it was actually being said or just a thought.
That drove me nuts. It was giving Normal People without the quotation marks.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Rape
Moderate: Rape, Miscarriage, and Death
Minor: Death of parent
e_simas's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
this book. was incredible. i teared up multiple times and i finished it in just over a day. i was enveloped with the first 50 pages and then flew through it the next time i had a free min. It really touches on complex relationships and i felt myself relating a little too much for my own comfort This book was a 5-star read and its complex and beautiful in all the right ways.
Spoiler
to know what happens with Rory Later down the line. and his terrible hypocrisy thats birthed from Adelaide’s deep and wholee extendive caring is painful
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, and Suicidal thoughts
hannahda's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Mental illness and Emotional abuse
mcfay's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.5
I'm here crying ugly crying and wondering to say about this book. Quite obviously loved it. I saw myself in Adelaide and was so heartbreaking to realize but cathartic to watch come to a conclusion. Cliche as it sounds things really will be alright and we just need to the light and the dark as they to us. This book is a book for our times and I think can find a bit of themselves in Adelaide as well.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Miscarriage, Rape, Self harm, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Pregnancy
maziodynes's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-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
This book is so painfully millennial in the best way. It embraces the cringe of being in your 20s during this time period. Adelaide is my age and I really felt so seen in every dimension of her life.
It ripped my heart out and stomped on it, and probably has the most highlights to page ratio of any of my books now!
This is a treasure and one of my favorites of the year. ❤️
It ripped my heart out and stomped on it, and probably has the most highlights to page ratio of any of my books now!
This is a treasure and one of my favorites of the year. ❤️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, Emotional abuse, Rape, Alcohol, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Death
Minor: Death of parent
ukponge's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Pregnancy, Sexual violence, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Domestic abuse, Suicide attempt, Miscarriage, Sexual assault, and Mental illness
Minor: Suicide
kaileencm's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Ouch. At times this was far too relatable for comfort. Watching from the outside as Adelaide goes through an obviously toxic relationship and deep mental health struggles is hard, sad, and frustrating. It’s like watching a car crash in slow motion. But it’s so worth seeing the transformation of a young woman. An experience I deeply identify with.
Please check the trigger warnings.
Please check the trigger warnings.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Miscarriage, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Sexual assault, Rape, and Emotional abuse
morghanashley's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Miscarriage
hannahbevil's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Alcohol, Toxic relationship, Sexual assault, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, and Emotional abuse