ciiku's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
I enjoyed The Lido but this one, not as much. It was repetitive especially with the flashbacks, had unnecessary descriptions (to me). There was also an incorrect reference that got on my nerves.
readingwithgee_'s review against another edition
4.0
The 24 hour cafe is such a roller-coaster of a read, I really enjoyed getting to know our main characters Hannah and Mona but honestly I liked getting to know the customers even more! I know it's easy to get confused reading from many different perspectives but I think Libby did a great job at incorporating everyone into this book, read smoothly and was so easy to keep up.
The actual story was put onto paper perfectly and it made for such an emotional yet hilarious, cosy book. I think I enjoyed Dan and Harry's stories the most, they just destroyed me completely. Although I did find that Monique's story was so relatable to me, I mean I'm a mother myself so of course I can relate. ( you're going to have to give it a read to find out what I'm blabbing about)
I did think that Hannah and Mona were slightly childish at times especially considering they were in their thirties but honestly this book was such a good read and the perfect book for a cosy night in. The messages it leaves you with are so eye opening!
The actual story was put onto paper perfectly and it made for such an emotional yet hilarious, cosy book. I think I enjoyed Dan and Harry's stories the most, they just destroyed me completely. Although I did find that Monique's story was so relatable to me, I mean I'm a mother myself so of course I can relate. ( you're going to have to give it a read to find out what I'm blabbing about)
I did think that Hannah and Mona were slightly childish at times especially considering they were in their thirties but honestly this book was such a good read and the perfect book for a cosy night in. The messages it leaves you with are so eye opening!
jmatkinson1's review against another edition
5.0
Hannah and Mona are waitresses at a cafe in Liverpool Street. They are also performers but waitressing is their way of paying the bills until they get their big break. The pair share a flat and their lives are completely intertwined but as Hannah mourns her lost relationship, something changes for Mona. Over the course of a 24 hour period the lives of Hannah and Mona are reflected in the lives of the customers of the cafe.
On paper this isn't the sort of book I would normally choose however having loved Libby Page's previous novel (The Lido) I knew that I liked the writer. This book does not disappoint in the slightest. Whilst Hannah and Mona re a little irritating at times the sweep of the narrative is a true reflection of what it is like to have loved and lost, both personally and professionally. The peripheral characters are beautifully imagined and the final section brings a little update to each, both happy and sad. That's what makes this book stand out, it is not completely sweet and happy but it is life-affirming in many ways
On paper this isn't the sort of book I would normally choose however having loved Libby Page's previous novel (The Lido) I knew that I liked the writer. This book does not disappoint in the slightest. Whilst Hannah and Mona re a little irritating at times the sweep of the narrative is a true reflection of what it is like to have loved and lost, both personally and professionally. The peripheral characters are beautifully imagined and the final section brings a little update to each, both happy and sad. That's what makes this book stand out, it is not completely sweet and happy but it is life-affirming in many ways
hmorgz11's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-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
4.0
em022's review against another edition
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
3.5
kati_henze's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
5.0
ambersbakesandbooks's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
slow-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
3.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Domestic abuse, Infidelity, and Emotional abuse
markalkman's review against another edition
2.0
I absolutely loved 'The Lido' and 'The Island Home' but unfortunately, this was not it. Even the writing didn't do it for me, which is a shame, because I usually really enjoy Libby's writing.
There were too many random characters I didn't care about, splitting up Hannah & Mona's story the way Libby did really didn't work for me, the flashbacks were mostly meh and not all of them added anything to the story... and the ending was rushed and it didn't make me feel anything. Maybe because I didn't give a sh*t about the characters in the first place. This is supposed to be another celebration of friendship, just like The Lido was, but this definitely didn't feel like one. At least, not to me.
There were too many random characters I didn't care about, splitting up Hannah & Mona's story the way Libby did really didn't work for me, the flashbacks were mostly meh and not all of them added anything to the story... and the ending was rushed and it didn't make me feel anything. Maybe because I didn't give a sh*t about the characters in the first place. This is supposed to be another celebration of friendship, just like The Lido was, but this definitely didn't feel like one. At least, not to me.
vkjarrett's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Loved the first half of this book but felt like the ending didn’t have much resolution and I would have liked more. I enjoyed the perspective on female friendships. I adored all of the little mini storylines of the other customers in the cafe, I love that in a book.