Scan barcode
paulhill53's review against another edition
4.0
It took a little while to get used to this book, but ended up quite enjoying it.
unisonlibrarian's review against another edition
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
katie_is_dreaming's review against another edition
I liked this quite a bit. The voice of Barry was so realistic, and I really enjoyed his banter. He felt so real. I also thought Evaristo explored really well his fears about coming out, linking them to stories about his past, or events that he knew of.
I did feel like there should have been more unpacking of Carmel's attitude, and her intolerance of homosexuality. And on the other side of that, I also felt there should have been more acknowledgement on Barry's part of the nasty way he'd treated his wife all those years. I do think he starts to come to terms with that at the end, but Carmel's beliefs remain in tact. On the other hand, it's realistic for Carmel to continue to hold her beliefs. It's just not very tolerant, so was disappointing that she never even questioned whether she was right.
I did like the characters on the whole, though. They were very memorable, and the book was very well written. This is probably my favourite of Evaristo's books, after Girl, Woman, Other.
I did feel like there should have been more unpacking of Carmel's attitude, and her intolerance of homosexuality. And on the other side of that, I also felt there should have been more acknowledgement on Barry's part of the nasty way he'd treated his wife all those years. I do think he starts to come to terms with that at the end, but Carmel's beliefs remain in tact. On the other hand, it's realistic for Carmel to continue to hold her beliefs. It's just not very tolerant, so was disappointing that she never even questioned whether she was right.
I did like the characters on the whole, though. They were very memorable, and the book was very well written. This is probably my favourite of Evaristo's books, after Girl, Woman, Other.
robyn1998's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
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
5.0
I read this in 2022 and revisited it this month. Watching the series based on this book really cheered me up when I was ill and feeling down in late October.
I've said a lot of the same in my review before, but this is such a special and amazing book. Bernadine Evaristo is truly a genius. Each character springs to life with all their quirks, annoying habits, unique turns of phrase and differing perspectives. Heart-rending and hilarious in equal parts.
I've said a lot of the same in my review before, but this is such a special and amazing book. Bernadine Evaristo is truly a genius. Each character springs to life with all their quirks, annoying habits, unique turns of phrase and differing perspectives. Heart-rending and hilarious in equal parts.
rjeilani's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
5.0
bumsonseats's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed the humour in the book and the writing was beautiful, but I did get bored at times.
treena318's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- 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? It's complicated
4.25