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paradise_library's review against another edition
2.0
I was given a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Sonya is a single mother on benefits. Once she was an actress, surrounded by glamorous people, parties and popularity. But her life hasn’t quite gone to plan. She's now burning fishfingers, stealing food and upsetting her neighbours. She’s also an alcoholic. Struggling with addiction and motherhood, Sonya risks losing everything. It's time to focus on what's important.
I struggled to get into this book at first. The protagonist was not likeable and I didn’t relate to the way she was with her son Tommy and other people. It was clear that Sonya loved Tommy, but she was very controlling, despite believing herself to be a relaxed parent.
However I persevered and started to feel sorry for Sonya. I was interested in her experience with rehab and how she approached her ‘release’. Although I didn’t like the book, it does show how easy it is to spiral into addiction and how quickly our lives can be turned upside down. Having known a few friends experience alcoholism I did feel that the book dealt with the subject quite well.
My main issue with this book was the slow pace and lack of plot. At times it felt she was being manipulated and gaslighted by the character David, but nothing was made clear. It was difficult to know why the author chose to bring certain characters in as they really didn’t add anything. Sonya was a strong character and a compelling storyteller, but this alone was not enough to carry the book.
When the book ended I felt like there was much more to say - it was so abrupt that I actually thought I was missing a chapter or two. Nothing had been resolved. Why she was trusted with her son is beyond me. I know addiction doesn’t ever go away, but it was almost as though she was back to square one. There was no climax or conclusion and I was sadly underwhelmed.
Sonya is a single mother on benefits. Once she was an actress, surrounded by glamorous people, parties and popularity. But her life hasn’t quite gone to plan. She's now burning fishfingers, stealing food and upsetting her neighbours. She’s also an alcoholic. Struggling with addiction and motherhood, Sonya risks losing everything. It's time to focus on what's important.
I struggled to get into this book at first. The protagonist was not likeable and I didn’t relate to the way she was with her son Tommy and other people. It was clear that Sonya loved Tommy, but she was very controlling, despite believing herself to be a relaxed parent.
However I persevered and started to feel sorry for Sonya. I was interested in her experience with rehab and how she approached her ‘release’. Although I didn’t like the book, it does show how easy it is to spiral into addiction and how quickly our lives can be turned upside down. Having known a few friends experience alcoholism I did feel that the book dealt with the subject quite well.
My main issue with this book was the slow pace and lack of plot. At times it felt she was being manipulated and gaslighted by the character David, but nothing was made clear. It was difficult to know why the author chose to bring certain characters in as they really didn’t add anything. Sonya was a strong character and a compelling storyteller, but this alone was not enough to carry the book.
When the book ended I felt like there was much more to say - it was so abrupt that I actually thought I was missing a chapter or two. Nothing had been resolved. Why she was trusted with her son is beyond me. I know addiction doesn’t ever go away, but it was almost as though she was back to square one. There was no climax or conclusion and I was sadly underwhelmed.
w_r's review against another edition
4.5
I cannot believe that this book is only rated an average of 3.3 on Goodreads - this book is absolutely fascinating. It is a stream of consciousness, a careening plight, a stressful and engaging and manic experience unlike any other book I have read. It is powerful, emotional, exhausting, and raw.
It's certainly not a book to relax with, as you will spend the entire thing on the edge of your seat with worry - maybe people just didn't like the feeling of anxiety it imbues? But to me, that is what makes it so great - the writing draws you in and doesn't let you take a single breath from the first page to the last.
TW: Alcoholism, mental health, parental loss
It's certainly not a book to relax with, as you will spend the entire thing on the edge of your seat with worry - maybe people just didn't like the feeling of anxiety it imbues? But to me, that is what makes it so great - the writing draws you in and doesn't let you take a single breath from the first page to the last.
TW: Alcoholism, mental health, parental loss
wessela's review against another edition
3.0
I found it hard to follow because it’s in a style from only Sonya’s perspective as an addict. Sometimes difficult to follow.
begquilter's review against another edition
4.0
This book really takes you into the fight of alcoholism and how it affects the family. At first I didn't like it but then it pulled me in through the characters and wanting to know how it ends up for them in this disease that can cause trauma to the family.
cydneydaniel's review against another edition
I think this one is just a bit too depressing for me. If I knew it ended happily, I think I’d push through, but reading other reviews makes me feel like i better stop now.
The writing is so interesting and the author narrating the audio is fantastic. I just think I’m not in the headspace for this one.
The writing is so interesting and the author narrating the audio is fantastic. I just think I’m not in the headspace for this one.
chloelad's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
read_queer_books's review against another edition
2.0
I should have stopped reading as soon as I started to question whether it was worth continuing...ie after the first chapter. Instead, I stuck around to the bitter end and I must say the abrupt ending was a complete disappointment.
al_xwith997's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0