kastnc's review against another edition
5.0
This was so good! Goodreads compares it to A Man Called Ove, but I thought it was SO much better. The characters are likable and the author is such a good story teller. There were tons of well written take home messages that make you think and take a look at your own life. I am happily surprised by this book!
gbridges's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
samyag's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
danaslitlist's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
Apparently I never review this one after I finished it and I honestly believe it's because I was still overcome with the emotions it inspired in me. I have a hard time formulating words about this book and the way it impacted me, but I'll try by first stating that I had no idea what I was walking into and I was greeted by a book that so fully captures humanity's beauty and compassion and love.
Mike Gayle is one of those writers who seems to just KNOW people and truly understand their motives, desires and complexities, and that was what made this story so wonderful to read.
Mike Gayle is one of those writers who seems to just KNOW people and truly understand their motives, desires and complexities, and that was what made this story so wonderful to read.
ashenlar's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
3.0
A quick, fun read with book club. Probably not something I would've picked up in terms of writing style, but I'm glad to have read it for the hopeful and positive message overall, and very diverse characters.
Spoiler
I do think generally everything things either a bit too easy or obvious for plot progression (eg the first woman Hubert really meets ends up being the love of his life with a pretty blandly perfect relationship) - or twists that come too out of nowhere and don't really feel convincing (Rose's death)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Dementia, Addiction, Mental illness, Racism, Grief, Racial slurs, Drug abuse, Alcoholism, Death, and Drug use
ceej_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
4.25
ktxx22's review against another edition
5.0
Think A Man Called Ove, but make it sadder and heavier. That’s this book. It is also equally as uplifting and meaningful, but the subject matter here is on the heavier side in regards to mental health and lonely people.
emboyle101's review against another edition
3.0
What a heart warming story this was exploring such an important area of the human experience - loneliness!
The pain and sorrow of being alone was important but it really was just the tip of the iceberg for Herbert, his friends and family.
Flipping back and forth between Jamaican and British cultures in the post-war/Windrush era and early 2010s, this story had both breadth and depth, also examining race, ageing, poverty, the power of love and of friendship. Through the narrative and character depiction it showed when love and friendship is real and true it knows no boundaries, be that race or age.
The themes of poverty, addiction and homelessness came through strongly in David’s storyline and gave a real poignancy to the story.
Would recommend this for anyone going through a tough time and needs to be remind that there is light in dark times and that opportunity and change is possible, you need only be brave enough to open the door!
The pain and sorrow of being alone was important but it really was just the tip of the iceberg for Herbert, his friends and family.
Flipping back and forth between Jamaican and British cultures in the post-war/Windrush era and early 2010s, this story had both breadth and depth, also examining race, ageing, poverty, the power of love and of friendship. Through the narrative and character depiction it showed when love and friendship is real and true it knows no boundaries, be that race or age.
The themes of poverty, addiction and homelessness came through strongly in David’s storyline and gave a real poignancy to the story.
Would recommend this for anyone going through a tough time and needs to be remind that there is light in dark times and that opportunity and change is possible, you need only be brave enough to open the door!
colab22's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5