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mellimeldisiel's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I don't think enjoy is the right term for this book - it was certainly eye opening and very difficult to read in terms of the toxic relationships portrayed. The reality and burn of the manipulation was stark and unforgiving against the perception of a perfect, arty, family. I kept wanting to shake the characters and get them to finish a sentence. Narratively, it was a bit like whiplash from person to person, so it was quite difficult to figure out what was going on at times, which was very deliberate, I think. Overall, a confusing and difficult read.
bookmonsterally's review against another edition
This just felt like such hard work. The writing flow was all over the place for me and I couldn’t engage with the characters in any way.
caitcat123's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
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
i read one day it’s so compelling. I forget what truly good writing does to you until I stumble soon it as I did here. I will read anything Charlotte Mendleson writes after reading this
kirstiejayhawk's review
challenging
dark
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
tavi_c's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
hilaryelliott's review against another edition
2.0
Really disliked this! Just felt very repetitive and unimaginative (having read Daughters of Jerusalem last year, this copies many of the major moments/plot twists). Very annoying bourgeois types all around and PLEASE do your research before writing about characters! The school teacher would not have been teaching “Year” anything if teaching in Edinburgh. She also would not have been teaching Tudor history in Scottish schools so please refrain from irrelevantly and inaccurately dropping the name of Anne Boleyn!
etinney's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Very solid analysis of the consequences of narcissism and emotional abuse on the lives of those around them. You're so frustrated at and sympathetic towards all of these characters as they deal with the abuse of the patriarch of the family. I also appreciated the discussion of sexism, patriarchy, and the ways in which queer yearning can be freeing and terrifying in the face of heteronormativity.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Emotional abuse, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Pregnancy
Minor: Ableism and Homophobia
c_ward68's review against another edition
3.0
I really liked the writing style of this book very much but the characters were infuriating to the point of just wanting to stop. Beautifully read by the wonderful Juliet Stevenson, who can make anything interesting.
bookishlyblonde_'s review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0