Reviews

What was that... I started reading this book in paper and switched to audio at about 30% because I couldn't take it anymore. I even re-listened to the beginning because I was sure that I must have missed something that would explain this but no.
This book has one of the most unlikable characters you could come up with but, while that can be enjoyable, in this case there was no rhyme or reason to it. There were no redeeming qualities and the other characters were almost equally infuriating. The story barely moved with awkward time jumps and an annoying repetitiveness. This one will not stay on my shelves.

horsley123's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.0

One of those books that is crafted rather than written - it fits into the North London genre - sort of Monica Ali/Zadie Smith-like. It is an examination of an arty family, who behave as if they are more cultured, knowing and refined than mere mortals, and hence their pain is deeper and more emotionally felt than you and I. As you can tell, I did not like them as a family, they are the sort of people I would scurry away from and thank my husband and family for being simple, straight forward beings.
Not liking the cast of characters is not necessarily a disaster when it comes to a book, if they all get their comeuppance it can be very satisfying. However this tale is a real slow starter, I really had to work at reading it, then suddenly towards the end lots of action occurs. The narrator changes every paragraph so it took a bit of work to establish the thoughts and action to a particular character, which with the various goings on is quite important. Being positive - I finished it.

sam_jja's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional medium-paced

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

4.5

kerriebarrett's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional reflective tense medium-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

4.5

whimsyandwitt's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Pretty sure I hated all of these characters and their relationships. So much anxiety to be had.

booksemmahasread's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? N/A
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

Content Warnings

mellimeldisiel's review against another edition

Go to review page

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.

More...