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parkingvalidator's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
I was so eager for this book to end because I knew Frances would finally get away from such a slimy, vile man .
The cover of this novel truly depicts Frances’ character andthe hold that Paul was able to have on her. I am glad she was able to choose best for herself in the end .
The cover of this novel truly depicts Frances’ character and
How had this man ever been the sun?
I feel dizzy, as though the world has turned upside down; but I’m the one who’s been standing on my head, mistaking the sky for the ground. Not wanting to believe what my body, exhausted, already knows.
I feel dizzy, as though the world has turned upside down; but I’m the one who’s been standing on my head, mistaking the sky for the ground. Not wanting to believe what my body, exhausted, already knows.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Emotional abuse, Pedophilia, and Gaslighting
Minor: Homophobia
coolchick_cesc's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Frances, a young uni graduate, flees her lecturer-turned-lover in Paris by working at a HelpX kind of situation in rural France. There she meets Paul, a worldly and gregarious middle-aged bohemian type. From there, she is sucked into a relationship with this man, about whom she hardly knows her opinion. Of course, she doesn’t have a father.
Frances is vulnerable, depressed, and lacking agency, which is further impeded by the control these men have over her life. I think this book is so well crafted that it makes Paul’s gaslighting, patronising, and predatory behaviour so subtle and insidious. It feels to me a true reflection of toxic relationships such as this. Lafarge has expertly crafted a protagonist who lacks impetus and is overflowing with self doubt. I felt so awful for this character who is unable to stand up for herself and feels silenced by the men in her life, who take what they want without really care about her at all.
Frances is vulnerable, depressed, and lacking agency, which is further impeded by the control these men have over her life. I think this book is so well crafted that it makes Paul’s gaslighting, patronising, and predatory behaviour so subtle and insidious. It feels to me a true reflection of toxic relationships such as this. Lafarge has expertly crafted a protagonist who lacks impetus and is overflowing with self doubt. I felt so awful for this character who is unable to stand up for herself and feels silenced by the men in her life, who take what they want without really care about her at all.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Sexism, and Sexual assault
Minor: Pedophilia
anxiousbookclub's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Mental illness, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment