Reviews with content warning for Infidelity - Greta and Valdin

Reviews tagging 'Infidelity'

Greta and Valdin by Rebecca K Reilly

10 reviews

messymimms's review against another edition

funny 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

3.75

Welp! It happened…I took a break from reading. I started a slow book and a difficult book and then just…went back to TV for a while.

But anyway, I had to read Greta and Valdin for a book club (I don’t know why I’m saying I had to, it was my book suggestion) after going to a discussion by the author.

This book is chaotic and a little stressful at times, but it was also laugh out loud funny on a number of occasions. And that’s pretty great, it’s hard to make that happen.

I was intrigued at the event to find out that Rebecca K Reilly is not from a hodgepodge Māori and European family, because that seemed like such a weird and wonderful choice. She makes it work in the book, in an almost believable way. Almost.

This book perfectly captures what it’s like to be neurodivergent in a neurodivergent family and everyone thinks they’re normal because they’re all weird, and then when outsiders get a look in all of a sudden they realise they are really strange and have odd habits and traditions. And no one’s diagnosed cause no one needs to be (cause everyone is weird) except for OCD for some reason. Interesting.

I preferred the beginning to the end; I think I liked the characters more when they didn’t have their shit figured out. They were funnier then!

Nice book to get out of a slump. 3.75/5.

Content Warnings

bisexualbookshelf's review against another edition

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emotional funny 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

4.75

Rebecca K. Reilly’s Greta and Valdin is a gem of a novel that captivates with its dark humor, intricate family dynamics, and poignant exploration of identity. The story follows the titular siblings, Greta and Valdin, as they navigate their queer lives in contemporary Auckland, New Zealand. Reilly masterfully captures the absurdities and complexities of modern life, from the struggle of living with mental health issues to the subtle nuances of cultural identity.

One of the novel's standout features is its humor. Reilly has a gift for crafting scenes that are both hilarious and deeply resonant. Valdin’s existential musings and Greta’s chaotic dating life are portrayed with a wit that often had me laughing out loud. Valdin’s stream-of-consciousness reflections, whether about the potential pitfalls of getting a boyfriend with a car or the intricacies of OCD, are darkly funny yet painfully true to life.

The novel’s treatment of names and identity also struck a personal chord. As someone with a culturally specific name, I found the siblings’ experiences with name pronunciation and spelling deeply relatable. The frequent need to correct or explain their names underscores a broader commentary on the importance of cultural identity and the dehumanizing effects of having it constantly questioned or mispronounced. Reilly subtly weaves this theme throughout the novel, highlighting the ways in which names are tied to personal and cultural identity, and how this can be both a source of pride and a burden.

The exploration of queer identity is another strength of the novel. Both Greta and Valdin are queer, and their experiences are depicted with a refreshing honesty that avoids clichés. Greta’s dating trials, for example, are portrayed with a mix of humor and heartache that is both entertaining and deeply moving. Reilly’s depiction of queer anxiety — the constant questioning of one's choices and the fear of not fitting in — is particularly resonant. This is especially evident in Valdin’s chapters, where his anxiety and obsessive tendencies are portrayed with a realism that many will find familiar.

The novel also delves into the complexities of family relationships, particularly the ways in which family members influence each other's behaviors and thought patterns. The interactions between the siblings and their parents are tender and nonjudgmental, reflecting a deep familial bond that is both heartwarming and, at times, challenging.

In conclusion, Greta and Valdin is a deeply engaging novel that blends humor with thoughtful exploration of identity, culture, and mental health. Reilly’s writing is sharp and insightful, making this a must-read for anyone who enjoys character-driven stories with a queer focus. The novel’s blend of dark humor, cultural commentary, and heartfelt family dynamics ensures that it will resonate with a wide audience, leaving readers both entertained and moved.

📖 Recommended For: Fans of witty, character-driven narratives, readers who enjoy exploring the intricacies of family dynamics and cultural identity, those drawn to stories with a strong sense of place, and admirers of decolonial literary fiction.

🔑 Key Themes: Family and Belonging, Queer Identity, Cultural Heritage, Love and Relationships.

Content Warnings

chris_reads's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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

4.5

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sadhbhprice's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful 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

4.75

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lettuce_read's review against another edition

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4.5

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aileron's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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

4.0

Content Warnings

shaun_dh's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful 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

This book is one of my new favs of all time. I laughed, cried, screamed, pleaded—all out loud. This book is everything. I hate that I can’t read it for the first time ever again. I am so deeply invested in every single character and I would do many unsavory things to be a part of this family. I feel like there’s no words I can use to describe this book that will do it justice, it’s just…perfect

It’s a warm hug, a witty retort, a ready ear, and a sturdy shoulder to cry on that pairs well with overthinking everything and drunk texting your ex

I cannot wait to read it again

Content Warnings

caseythereader's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted 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? No

4.0

Content Warnings

aseel_reads's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted 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

So many aloud giggles, I loved this so much, the characters and their relationships were so wholesome and pure and kind and lovely. I found the ending a little confusing, as it was a bit unclear as to who was cheating on who but otherwise still a great read

Content Warnings

crags617's review against another edition

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funny hopeful informative 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

4.75

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