irenelpynn's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident, Classism, Suicidal thoughts, and Death
marsspider42's review against another edition
reflective
slow-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? It's complicated
2.0
I found this book confusing, drawn out and difficult to read. Parts of it were written beautifully and were paced well (specifically the last 100 pages), and other parts were dense and almost impossible to get through. The chapters from Renee’s perspective are often full of philosophical musings that I found boring.
I almost gave up on this book halfway through, but the second half was much better. There is more plot, the introduction of Mr Ozu makes for interesting relationships with the other characters, and the story picks up pace significantly. If the second half of the book was separate to the first, I would rate it higher.
I almost gave up on this book halfway through, but the second half was much better. There is more plot, the introduction of Mr Ozu makes for interesting relationships with the other characters, and the story picks up pace significantly. If the second half of the book was separate to the first, I would rate it higher.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
rosalind's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Suicide, Alcoholism, and Drug abuse
Minor: Child death, Racism, and Cancer
thekatreturns's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is an all time favorite. If you loved Matilda as a child and are now a depressed adult, this is the book for you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts
emdashbookparty's review against another edition
dark
funny
hopeful
reflective
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? No
3.5
This story is told from two alternating viewpoints: that of a young French girl in a fancy Parisian apartment building, and that of the building’s 54-year-old concierge, who is a secretly intelligent and cultured widow. It took me a while to warm up to these two and to the elevated language in which they both narrate. But once I was on the book’s wavelength, I enjoyed it. At one point the concierge, Madame Michel, goes on a two-page rant about a single misused comma in a note she receives from a resident in the building, and I have to say—I am very here for this sort of extreme pettiness.
The overarching story is a bittersweet one. I won’t spoil any major plot points, but I will say the multi-generational friendship is lovely, as is the later-in-life romance, and the discovery of new hope and joy in daily existence.
The overarching story is a bittersweet one. I won’t spoil any major plot points, but I will say the multi-generational friendship is lovely, as is the later-in-life romance, and the discovery of new hope and joy in daily existence.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts
camillarossi's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Classism, Death, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Car accident, and Chronic illness
Moderate: Cancer and Death of parent
Minor: Drug use, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Infertility, and Alcohol
rosysnake's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
ayamaro's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Mental illness and Death
Minor: Sexual assault and Cancer
madamehowland's review against another edition
I tried, people kept talking about this book as being incredible but I just couldn't get through it. The two lead character both talk about how exceptionally intelligent they are and I found it very tiresome. I just couldn't get behind them as people and it was a push to get it.
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide
baruss666's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? No
5.0
It has, without a doubt, become my favourite book. It has everything. There's no point in trying to describe, it just ticks it all.
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Death, and Miscarriage