Reviews with content warning for Medical content - Shark Heart: A Love Story

I chose this as my Book of the Month, unsure if I would like it. As someone who has both lost a child and has a turbulent relationship with my mother, the premise spoke to me and I'm so glad I gave it a chance. The book is beautifully written; lyrical and flowing like a river. It is hard to believe this is the author's first book. There were so many points where I wanted to cry, and at times I didn't want to finish because my heart was breaking for Lewis and Wren. As someone who lives with a chronic disease, it is easy to see the story fold out from both sides: Someone living with a disease that is changing them at their core and that they can't stop, and the person giving up themselves to take care of a loved one.

Bring a box of tissues.

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amanda_mh's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This was by far the weirdest book I have ever read. While also being incredibly emotional and thought provoking. But strange very strange and I devoured this book 🦈 ♥️

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booksbeyondthebinary's review against another edition

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emotional 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? It's complicated

5.0

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astoriareader's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

SYNOPSIS:

Wren & Lewis are in their first (and last) year of marriage.
The world is the same as ours, except people can inherit genetic mutations where they change from human to animal. Shortly after getting married, Lewis receives a rare diagnosis. He will retain most of his consciousness, memories, and intellect, but his physical body will gradually turn into a great white shark.
Wren’s mother, Angela, similarly experienced an animal mutation diagnosis, and her story is woven throughout as well.

MY THOUGHTS

A beautifully written book. It is hard to describe, but it truly is art.
The writing structure is written different than other books I’ve read, but in a really good way. I thought it was quite clever to include play/scene sections throughout the book.
Frankly, I am shocked I ended up loving this book. I thought it wouldn’t be for me, but it ended up being one of the most unique, oddly beautiful books I’ve ever read.
As far out as the book may sound, it is an emotional ride, and it explores being a caretaker, finding peace, transformation, family, love, loss, grief, & how relationships grow and change.
I am shocked this is Habeck’s debut novel, as it is the best writing I’ve ever read. I was so moved by her writing.
What an imaginative, unique plot.

TL;DR: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Beautifully written. The book is truly a work of art. Although the plot may sound silly, trust me: you don’t want to miss this book.

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gondorgirl's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

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abbie_'s review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective sad fast-paced

5.0

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my free digital ARC in exchange for a review!

What an unexpected delight of a novel! I am not usually one for judging a book by its cover, but when I first joined Netgalley I spotted this one and could not resist it. Very glad to report that the contents match the stunning cover! 🦈🌺

Shark Heart focuses on Wren and Lewis, a newly married couple who receive possibly the worst news you could get during your first year of wedded bliss: Lewis is transforming into a great white shark. In the world delicately crafted by Emily Habeck, some people are born with genetic mutations which see them slowly transform into various animals, from zebras to Komodo dragons. The first part of the book follows Lewis & Wren as they get to grips with the new state of their reality and try to plan for the future.

I absolutely fell in love with both of these characters. Habeck brings them to life so vividly, when I realised the next section of the book was moving onto Wren’s mother I was genuinely devastated. But I shouldn’t have worried, as the author put just as much love and thought into Angela’s story as well, and soon enough I was enraptured with that narrative too. Habeck explores heavy topics like abuse (physical and emotional), parent-child relationships and health & illness with a light touch that never feels insensitive. The chapters are extremely short, some just a few lines long, but every word feels carefully chosen, imbued with warmth and tenderness.

I find it hardest to write reviews of books I love with no criticism, I came to look for my notes on Shark Heart only to find I hadn’t taken any. I was utterly absorbed in the story, loathe to put my iPad down for even a second and leave these characters. The way Habeck explores various relationships, with some casual queer rep in there, hooked me completely.

Gorgeous, striking prose, emotional depth, a unique concept - a definite favourite of the year for me!

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