tobin_elliott's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-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
3.75
I quite enjoyed this novel. It's pretty much a straightforward general fiction novel with an indigenous element to it that was never heavy-handed.
I can't give it a full five stars only because there's certain elements that felt a little too easy or too predictable. Matthew's relatively easy cessation of his emotional affair with a co-worker. His reparation of his relationship with both his wife and daughter.
And, while I loved the ending, it also felt a touch too obvious.
Having said that, none of this ever really intruded on my enjoyment of this novel. It's very good and, at times, though it's likely a cliché, his writing had hints of Wagamese, which is a good thing.
I can't give it a full five stars only because there's certain elements that felt a little too easy or too predictable. Matthew's relatively easy cessation of his emotional affair with a co-worker. His reparation of his relationship with both his wife and daughter.
And, while I loved the ending, it also felt a touch too obvious.
Having said that, none of this ever really intruded on my enjoyment of this novel. It's very good and, at times, though it's likely a cliché, his writing had hints of Wagamese, which is a good thing.
linneahbt's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
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
4.0
I wanted more from this, but also I loved the depiction of a complicated father-daughter relationship, the hope and opportunity, the deep roots in indigenous traditions. It was beautiful and heartwarming and hopeful and tragic and reminded me so much of my own dad. Special.
anninerie's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Grief, Death, Death of parent, Self harm, Injury/Injury detail, and Suicidal thoughts
allison_21's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
tense
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
4.75
msvenner's review against another edition
4.0
This was really well done. I love this author’s work and I wasn’t disappointed. I did find it difficult to read at times. The depiction of mental illness was powerful and very raw. Knowing the author suffers from anxiety, it felt really personal at times. It was beautifully done and I will read anything this man writes but this was a bit tough.
avisreadsandreads's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Grief, Drug use, Colonisation, Death of parent, Vomit, Blood, Racism, Infidelity, Suicide attempt, Alcohol, and Addiction
mlouie21's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-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
5.0
dmwpg's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
A wonderful novel about a father (Matt) and his teenage daughter (Holly/Hallelujah) as they navigate their relationship, grief, mental health and their connection to the land
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
lindssilva's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Minor: Self harm, Mental illness, Death of parent, and Death
grosswitch's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0