carriepond's review
Forty-four-year-old Vincent lives in Kentucky with her Irish husband of nearly 25 years, Cillian, who is a writer. The pair have two adult children in their twenties and, by all accounts, a strong and loving marriage, in part because of the "no bullshit" pledge they made to one another when they first started dating in college. The depth of this bond is shaken when Vincent reads Cillian's newest novel: a work of "autofiction" he wrote in secret, never discussing its contents with Vincent before it was published. In the novel, named Half-Blown Rose after Vincent's favorite quote, Cillian reveals that he fathered a child when he was a teenager and then moved from Dublin to California, moving on with his life as if nothing happened. In the wake of this secret, and the way that Cillian hid it for decades only to reveal it in a public and humiliating way, Vincent escapes to Paris, unsure if she wants to remain in her marriage, but certain she needs to be alone. In Paris, Vincent makes jewelry, teaches a journaling class at a museum, takes long walks around the city, and hosts dinner parties for a close-knit group of friends she's curated. It is in her journaling class that she meets Loup, a twenty-four-year-old who "blows right past her attitude and goes straight for intimacy. Not in a forceful, creepy way, but in an open way, like a kind family member or a therapist." Inevitably, the two start a passionate affair, and Vincent must decide what she wants.
I have been interested in reading Leesa Cross-Smith since hearing good things about Whiskey & Ribbons, and thought reading this, her newest novel, would be as good an introduction as any to her writing. Although I have some conflicted feelings ultimately about the ending and think this is a novel that is likely to strongly divide people, I loved Cross-Smith's writing and ultimately enjoyed the novel very much, despite my ambivalence about its end.
Cross-Smith writes beautifully. This entire novel was a sensory experience-- from the playlists Vincent curates, to the vibrant descriptions of the weather, to the colors Vincent sees, to the references to food throughout the novel, I felt like I was experiencing the crisp fall air in Paris right along with Vincent. I also really liked the way Cross-Smith used excerpts from Cilian's novels, Vincent's journals, and the playlists to add additional insight into the characters' motivations. I have mentioned the playlists several times because they are ah-mazing; I've been listening to them constantly since starting the novel and they are a joy. I love the way Cross-Smith wrote Vincent's character-- wanting to understand who she is not in relation to anyone else; not as a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, but as her. There are so many references throughout the novel to Vincent's role as a caretaker, and her relationship with Loup is something that is hers, for her. Vincent is a half-blown rose, "in liminal space," as she puts it throughout the novel-- and it was a joy to watch her unfold.
Things went a little wonky for me at the end-- I was having a hard time untangling Vincent's motivations and initially had a really hard time with the open-endedness of the ending. But the more I think about it, Cross-Smith did such a beautiful job with the rest of the novel, that was obviously a very intentional choice to leave Vincent in liminal space at the end a bit. Because people don't actually get tidy neat endings in life-- they just move forward without knowing how things will turn out, and so we as the reader were just right there in it with Vincent.
Anyway, I really liked this novel. I would recommend it to people who enjoy character-driven romances and aren't locked into black-and-white ideas about relationships (as in, if you're going to get worked up by someone who is married but estranged from their spouse having sex with someone else, spoiler alert, she does that a lot and it's pretty steamy and great, IMO).
I have been interested in reading Leesa Cross-Smith since hearing good things about Whiskey & Ribbons, and thought reading this, her newest novel, would be as good an introduction as any to her writing. Although I have some conflicted feelings ultimately about the ending and think this is a novel that is likely to strongly divide people, I loved Cross-Smith's writing and ultimately enjoyed the novel very much, despite my ambivalence about its end.
Cross-Smith writes beautifully. This entire novel was a sensory experience-- from the playlists Vincent curates, to the vibrant descriptions of the weather, to the colors Vincent sees, to the references to food throughout the novel, I felt like I was experiencing the crisp fall air in Paris right along with Vincent. I also really liked the way Cross-Smith used excerpts from Cilian's novels, Vincent's journals, and the playlists to add additional insight into the characters' motivations. I have mentioned the playlists several times because they are ah-mazing; I've been listening to them constantly since starting the novel and they are a joy. I love the way Cross-Smith wrote Vincent's character-- wanting to understand who she is not in relation to anyone else; not as a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, but as her. There are so many references throughout the novel to Vincent's role as a caretaker, and her relationship with Loup is something that is hers, for her. Vincent is a half-blown rose, "in liminal space," as she puts it throughout the novel-- and it was a joy to watch her unfold.
Things went a little wonky for me at the end-- I was having a hard time untangling Vincent's motivations and initially had a really hard time with the open-endedness of the ending. But the more I think about it, Cross-Smith did such a beautiful job with the rest of the novel, that was obviously a very intentional choice to leave Vincent in liminal space at the end a bit. Because people don't actually get tidy neat endings in life-- they just move forward without knowing how things will turn out, and so we as the reader were just right there in it with Vincent.
Anyway, I really liked this novel. I would recommend it to people who enjoy character-driven romances and aren't locked into black-and-white ideas about relationships (as in, if you're going to get worked up by someone who is married but estranged from their spouse having sex with someone else, spoiler alert, she does that a lot and it's pretty steamy and great, IMO).
car155a's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
leahsbooks's review
3.0
Thank you to libro.fm for providing me with an ALC of this book. I am voluntarily providing my honest opinion.
This sounded really intriguing, and seriously, who doesn't want to just be swept away to Paris when the going gets hard? Unfortunately, I don't have the resources or the privilege to be able to do this, and rely on books to do the job. And while there were some things about this book that I did like, there were some that I really didn't like.
Let's start with the good. The writing is beautiful and evocative, and I honestly felt like I had been transported to Paris through the reading of this book, although I have to be honest and admit that I've never been there. Since I read this as an audiobook, the narrators did a fabulous job. Mela Lee brought Vincent to life in the most beautiful way, mastering both English and French, as well as some other accents. Tim Campbell has a great voice and fabulous Irish accent, although it was difficult for me to a) like his character at all, and b) understand at times, through the thick accent. I especially liked that major events in the telling have playlists in the text, since I'm a sucker for good music.
There are some sections of the book where a word or phrase is repeated many times, and while this typically works well in print, it doesn't carry over as well in audiobook format. More importantly, I struggled with the characters. Like, a lot. I felt like Vincent had the opportunity to shine and stand up for herself, and learn to harness her own power, and it was just a completely missed chance in the story. Instead, she seems completely reasonable all the time, which was so frustrating, since it felt like I was angrier about Cillian's actions than she was. She was way too wishy-washy for me as a character, and I found myself wondering if the shared history of being in a relationship for more than two decades is enough to overcome a total shattering of trust. And don't even get me started on Cillian - he's a total asshole, and I absolutely hated him. I was honestly spending the entire reading hoping that she would just GO OFF on him, and then the ending was just so ... blah. It felt like a letdown to spend all that time reading and then not even have anything wrapped up.
This sounded really intriguing, and seriously, who doesn't want to just be swept away to Paris when the going gets hard? Unfortunately, I don't have the resources or the privilege to be able to do this, and rely on books to do the job. And while there were some things about this book that I did like, there were some that I really didn't like.
Let's start with the good. The writing is beautiful and evocative, and I honestly felt like I had been transported to Paris through the reading of this book, although I have to be honest and admit that I've never been there. Since I read this as an audiobook, the narrators did a fabulous job. Mela Lee brought Vincent to life in the most beautiful way, mastering both English and French, as well as some other accents. Tim Campbell has a great voice and fabulous Irish accent, although it was difficult for me to a) like his character at all, and b) understand at times, through the thick accent. I especially liked that major events in the telling have playlists in the text, since I'm a sucker for good music.
There are some sections of the book where a word or phrase is repeated many times, and while this typically works well in print, it doesn't carry over as well in audiobook format. More importantly, I struggled with the characters. Like, a lot. I felt like Vincent had the opportunity to shine and stand up for herself, and learn to harness her own power, and it was just a completely missed chance in the story. Instead, she seems completely reasonable all the time, which was so frustrating, since it felt like I was angrier about Cillian's actions than she was. She was way too wishy-washy for me as a character, and I found myself wondering if the shared history of being in a relationship for more than two decades is enough to overcome a total shattering of trust. And don't even get me started on Cillian - he's a total asshole, and I absolutely hated him. I was honestly spending the entire reading hoping that she would just GO OFF on him, and then the ending was just so ... blah. It felt like a letdown to spend all that time reading and then not even have anything wrapped up.
anniekinskywalker's review
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
mfrabbiele's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
From the opening lines, I felt engulfed in a warm embrace. By the time I finished, I was able to confidently say: this was a read that reminds me of melted milk chocolate; silky smooth, sugary sweet, and delightfully cozy. Leesa Cross-Smith does a great job at relaxing the reminder as a way to slow your thinking, while you’re immersed in sophistication, and artistic beauty.
Written as a modern day Comedy, this simple piece of literature as layers of depth. While bits are lighthearted and humorous, the story ends with the ultimate happy ending...family. friends. lovers. and more.
In short, this is a tale of loving different people for different reasons while continuously allowing yourself to feel whole.
As a anti-romance reader, I was pleasantly surprised. Consider my once ice cold heart to be a few steps closer to lukewarm.
Written as a modern day Comedy, this simple piece of literature as layers of depth. While bits are lighthearted and humorous, the story ends with the ultimate happy ending...family. friends. lovers. and more.
In short, this is a tale of loving different people for different reasons while continuously allowing yourself to feel whole.
As a anti-romance reader, I was pleasantly surprised. Consider my once ice cold heart to be a few steps closer to lukewarm.
mamasin's review
4.0
I read this and enjoyed the first half but found the second half drawn out. The premise and beginning were good so I gave it four stars. Vincent (a woman) and Cillian are husband and wife. Cillian writes a book divulging secrets of their marriage which causes them to separate. Vincent discovers her husband has a child out of wedlock and begins conversing with the son and his mother through email. The book outlines their personalities and gives us background into tach character.
meganwhitis's review
4.0
HALF-BLOWN ROSE was unexpected in the best possible way!! I'm so glad I gave this book a chance & read it when I did!
My thoughts:
-this book was as close to THE IDEA OF YOU as book I've ever read and I LOVED TIOY
-that ending!!! I NEED a sequel!
-so much wanderlust while reading this - I need a trip to Paris STAT
-it took me a bit to get used to the names and the writing style but once I was gripped I couldn't stop!
-loooooved the playlists mixed in and the book experts, Vin's journal entries, etc!
My ONLY complaint is the fact that I want a sequel bc that ending is absolutely NOT wrapped up and I need MORE!!!
My thoughts:
-this book was as close to THE IDEA OF YOU as book I've ever read and I LOVED TIOY
-that ending!!! I NEED a sequel!
-so much wanderlust while reading this - I need a trip to Paris STAT
-it took me a bit to get used to the names and the writing style but once I was gripped I couldn't stop!
-loooooved the playlists mixed in and the book experts, Vin's journal entries, etc!
My ONLY complaint is the fact that I want a sequel bc that ending is absolutely NOT wrapped up and I need MORE!!!
reader_mama's review
5.0
Vincent, a separated woman in her 40s, takes a break from her husband by way of Paris. While living in Paris, she meets and falls for Loup, a young man half her age.
I absolutely adored this novel. The Paris and European setting was so magical. The chemistry between Vincent and Loup flew off the pages. The tensions, all kinds of tensions, were high. And the drama was fierce. Each character had a major roll in the story and I loved all of the players.
And lastly… THE ENDING. I am unwell, need wine, haven’t stopped thinking about it. Talk about mind blown. Jeez, I’m not sure how I will ever recover from this gut punch I just took. This is what it must feel like to be assaulted by words. If you enjoy character building, atmospheric reads that pack a punch, grab this immediately✨
I absolutely adored this novel. The Paris and European setting was so magical. The chemistry between Vincent and Loup flew off the pages. The tensions, all kinds of tensions, were high. And the drama was fierce. Each character had a major roll in the story and I loved all of the players.
And lastly… THE ENDING. I am unwell, need wine, haven’t stopped thinking about it. Talk about mind blown. Jeez, I’m not sure how I will ever recover from this gut punch I just took. This is what it must feel like to be assaulted by words. If you enjoy character building, atmospheric reads that pack a punch, grab this immediately✨
hlhindin's review
3.0
This book was a mixed bag for me. I loved Vincent’s Paris life but the only likable main character was Loup. By the end of the book, I was just WTF-ed out.
annastasia_will's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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
5.0
Heart-wrenching and complicated and beautiful.