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meemawreads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
3.0
I think context matters more with this book than some others. I entered having read one fiction and one nonfiction by Ann Patchett, nothing by Lucy Grealy (Ann’s late best friend and the subject of this book) and all I knew is there was contention surrounding this book because the family was mad about it. I can see why: Ann paints Lucy honestly and grieving loved ones aren’t always happy to read truth about the dead. Lucy had cancer as a child and suffered through dozens of surgeries in her life, and the suffering left as many emotional scars as physical ones. She and Ann bonded over writing but stayed connected through Lucy’s magnetism and deep, often selfish, neediness. Ann seemed all too ready to care for this infantilized friend. Even in writing the story of their friendship Ann seemed to be caring for her still. The portrayal of Lucy’s actions and addictions are honest but Ann stops short of harsh criticism and many of her own feelings. If the author had been more present herself in this story, I might have connected to it more. It’s excruciating and draining to watch a loved one fade slowly at the hands of something you don’t understand, but we don’t get a lot of insight into that. Those hoping for drama or who had a pre-formed opinion on Lucy seem to be disappointed by this book, which is why I’m glad I went in pretty blind; that’s why I think context matters to your enjoyment of this book. It contains touching moments, beautiful words, and heartbreaking honesty but overall I’m not blown away. 🥔🥔🥔/🥔🥔🥔🥔🥔
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer and Addiction
Minor: Eating disorder
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