skudiklier's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Sexual content, Grief, and Alcoholism
Moderate: War and Death
Minor: Sexual assault, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
howboutjane's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Sexual content and Alcoholism
Moderate: Sexual violence and Sexism
Minor: War
mirandalikesbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Misses 4 stars for me because the book, while a good & easy read, missed a depth that would have pushed it over the top. Really liked it though!
Moderate: Grief, Sexual content, and Alcohol
Minor: Sexism, Death, Cursing, Violence, Domestic abuse, Death of parent, Murder, Suicidal thoughts, Emotional abuse, Abandonment, War, Toxic relationship, and Injury/Injury detail
saramoser's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Graphic: Sexual content
sarahjx's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Mental illness
witten82's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Moderate: Sexual content
ladypalutena's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Alcoholism and Grief
meecespieces's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Alcohol
bethanyt123's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
But healing isn't always pretty, nor is it simple.
I was content with this novella, a brief break from the fear and stress I feel when reading the full-length novels.
It was, though, by no means the masterful writing that I'm used to from SJM. I understand, it's a novella; but it felt like SJM also wanted a break from her typical style. This was a rather significant deviation. I'm certain there was potential for more in this: more endearing moments, more insight, more warm fuzzies. I felt like we were just stalling or passing time with this, rather.
All in all, it's still SJM - still quality but my metrics for her writing are higher, and my disappointment docks 1.5 stars.
Minor: Alcohol and Sexual content
dr4manrx's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Alcoholism