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javafenn's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I did not want to like this book at first. I’m not really sure why either. It was hard to follow at first because there are lot of people with two not being a part of the core family which consists of two brothers, a sister, their spouses, and all their kids who converge at a family holiday vacation home for their first Christmas without their mother. The other two characters are a mother and daughter who are involved with one of the spouses via a child protection type situation (no spoilers or hints here because it would give it away). The thing that kept me listening is the fact that the narrator, Andi Arndt, is fantastic! She did great at changing voices for each character which made following easier as the chapters went on. After just 2 days I finished listening because I couldn’t stop!!! The three women, the sister, Kate, and the sisters-in-laws, have wildly complicated relationships but they ultimately do love each other after the climax. All of the people in this family are insanely privileged and they don’t really seem to recognize it but do come to somewhat of that realization towards the end. The ending was satisfying to the point where I wanted more but was perfectly happy to leave it where it was as. I say give this a try. If you can, try to make it through chapter 1 after the introduction of the players in the book because after that it makes more sense and gets really good!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Cursing, Drug abuse, Drug use, Infertility, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Blood, Grief, Abortion, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, and Classism
Minor: Racism
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