Reviews tagging 'Mental illness'
Der nie abgeschickte Liebesbrief an Harold Fry, by Rachel Joyce
2 reviews
rchains's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I appreciate the way the story is crafted and the device of the letter being written, as well as the Also the portrayal of hospice and Queenie’s experiences offered an earnest glimpse into a stage of life that is not so often written about, particularly not from the first person. But the overarching focus was a bit much; I would have appreciated a more varied story of her life that didn’t seem to entirely revolve around .
Spoiler
twists at the end.Spoiler
(Queenie being in love with Harold Fry for so very, very long)Spoiler
those unrequited feelings
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Toxic friendship, and Mental illness
Moderate: Death and Suicide
helenar's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
If you look at the content warnings I have listed then you may wonder how on earth this book could also have a descriptor of “hopeful” and yet somehow the extreme nature of the subject matter is dealt with in such a way that the main thread all the way through is hope. This is the companion book to The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry told over the same period of time through a different character. It is full of unexpected turns which make it a brilliant story without making it feel unbelievable. It is an emotional read with some passages that bring you to your knees but the majority being somehow comforting. I was very sad to finish this book in part because of the happenings but also because I now miss reading it. This story will stay with me for a long time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide and Terminal illness
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug use, Grief, and Mental illness
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