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sydapel's review against another edition
dark
funny
hopeful
slow-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
3.75
The majority of my experience with this book was frustrating, and if you decide to pick it up, I think it will be that way for you too. It's the kind of book that fails the Bechdel test so acutely and often feels like nothing is actually changing, but the last few chapters are such a cathartic experience it makes it all worth it. The strength of the book is how it shows how women can twists themselves into many knots for men, without expectation or thought as to why, while judging ourselves and each other with a much harsher lens. It's very difficult to read about these three women constantly tossing their personhood aside for the mediocre men in their life, and it's easy to think that you would never do the same. But by the end, you really can't help but see a bit of yourself or your friends in each of them. This is great for fans of Queenie and Dolly Alderton, though I will point out that it's very white feminist centered (at least in my reading all the characters are white, with no commentary on intersectionality).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny and Pregnancy
Minor: Child death and Mental illness