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aleciamcnaught89's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
2.25
So many red flags in this book - felt sorry for Eloise. She deserves so much more.
Problematic relationships.
Problematic relationships.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Death, Mental illness, Sexual content, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent
Minor: Rape
walkingcha0s's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Classism
bunsoburrito's review against another edition
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I didn't expect the amount of nuance in these characters and their circumstances.
I quite enjoyed this until Phillip goes in on Eloise not to complain about the marriage because he had suffered a terrible one with Marina. That, he messed up. I can imagine how JQ was trying to frame this within a declaration of love but that bit was undeniably poorly written.
Reading the negative reviews, I can understand why people are upset with Phillip re: his attitude and reaction towards Marina's depression and suicide. However I interpreted it quite differently taking into account his experience growing up with a father he could never please. It definitely didn't help when he essentially had to relive this in adulthood out of a sense of duty. The only ways he could interpret Marina's depression was as a personal failure and an act of harshness/cruelty by the other party. This was set in the 1800s where the idea of mental health was not understood as it is now.
I'm also bewildered that lot of people were upset by his picking up the switch?? I don't condone corporal punishment but it was so clear to me that he did not have a good/healthy childhood, and knows only corporal punishment. Heck, I don't think this man even understands familial love/love from a father to his children- which explains why he distances himself from the children. His mother passed at his birth and his (damned and) cruel father was all he knew. JQ makes it clear Phillip tries to refrain from hitting them but ultimately does when he feels driven to it, desperately in fear that by not doing so, he would ruin his children more.
Does all of that excuse Phillip entirely from his actions? Not at all but like many of us, it makes him a complex human with trauma and flaws in a time where not many answers were provided.
Even Elouise- so many people are upset by why she suddenly has a change of heart with Phillip. I didn't feel the surprise other readers did. Elouise is exactly as how Violet described. Elouise is clear on what she desires and as such, she is impatient which is in part why she rejected the previous proposals. However, through the year long letters with Phillip, she has the time and space to grow to care for him. Even then, she goes to see him to <i>consider</i> whether they are suited for each other. When they marry, it is largely due to her brothers and obligation BUT she still retains her doubts.
Reading the negative reviews, I can understand why people are upset with Phillip re: his attitude and reaction towards Marina's depression and suicide. However I interpreted it quite differently taking into account his experience growing up with a father he could never please. It definitely didn't help when he essentially had to relive this in adulthood out of a sense of duty. The only ways he could interpret Marina's depression was as a personal failure and an act of harshness/cruelty by the other party. This was set in the 1800s where the idea of mental health was not understood as it is now.
I'm also bewildered that lot of people were upset by his picking up the switch?? I don't condone corporal punishment but it was so clear to me that he did not have a good/healthy childhood, and knows only corporal punishment. Heck, I don't think this man even understands familial love/love from a father to his children- which explains why he distances himself from the children. His mother passed at his birth and his (damned and) cruel father was all he knew. JQ makes it clear Phillip tries to refrain from hitting them but ultimately does when he feels driven to it, desperately in fear that by not doing so, he would ruin his children more.
Does all of that excuse Phillip entirely from his actions? Not at all but like many of us, it makes him a complex human with trauma and flaws in a time where not many answers were provided.
Even Elouise- so many people are upset by why she suddenly has a change of heart with Phillip. I didn't feel the surprise other readers did. Elouise is exactly as how Violet described. Elouise is clear on what she desires and as such, she is impatient which is in part why she rejected the previous proposals. However, through the year long letters with Phillip, she has the time and space to grow to care for him. Even then, she goes to see him to <i>consider</i> whether they are suited for each other. When they marry, it is largely due to her brothers and obligation BUT she still retains her doubts.
Content Warnings
Minor: Mental illness and Suicide
maxwellkb2's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Suicide attempt
nightstitch96's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5
The way this book talks about depression and suicide is disgusting. Phillip is horrible. I cannot believe he is constantly referred to as a good man while he:
1. was incredibly neglectful and toxic to his children.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Mental illness, Sexual content, Suicide, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Moderate: Sexual assault
emiliemhr's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent
Minor: Child abuse
babudarabu's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Sexual content
Moderate: Physical abuse, Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent
Minor: Alcoholism, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, and Grief
mariskyjy's review against another edition
Thought I would grow to like Eloise's love interest after hearing more of his back story, but I can't stand him.
Tw: noncon, child abuse, mention of post partum depression below
• said he hadn't had sex in a long time and went to visit wife marina. "She didn't say no," (I think the implication was PPD) but seemed disinterested. He felt awful afterwards, which is a *great* excuse (sarcasm)
• the kids are terrified of him. "His" son asks, upon getting in trouble, "are you going to hit us?" And Philip is a menacing presence to them, and doesn't know how to parent them. Like even if you have never hit your kid(s) (which Eloise is convinced that she's *such* a good judge of character, despite only meeting this guy within the last week, that Phillip could *never* abuse his kids), they shouldn't be terrified that you're going to. End of sentence. No, wait: fuck this guy. Now end of sentence.
• spoiler, the "reasoning" for this is eventually that his father was horribly abusive towards him, and Phillip is trying not to be like him. Cool reason, bro. I get that therapy was not a huge thing back then (assuming) but my god. Work on yourself to not be like your father.
Tw: noncon, child abuse, mention of post partum depression below
• said he hadn't had sex in a long time and went to visit wife marina. "She didn't say no," (I think the implication was PPD) but seemed disinterested. He felt awful afterwards, which is a *great* excuse (sarcasm)
• the kids are terrified of him. "His" son asks, upon getting in trouble, "are you going to hit us?" And Philip is a menacing presence to them, and doesn't know how to parent them. Like even if you have never hit your kid(s) (which Eloise is convinced that she's *such* a good judge of character, despite only meeting this guy within the last week, that Phillip could *never* abuse his kids), they shouldn't be terrified that you're going to. End of sentence. No, wait: fuck this guy. Now end of sentence.
• spoiler, the "reasoning" for this is eventually that his father was horribly abusive towards him, and Phillip is trying not to be like him. Cool reason, bro. I get that therapy was not a huge thing back then (assuming) but my god. Work on yourself to not be like your father.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: War
pauline79's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Feels like it’s missing something but can’t put my finger on it. The series confuses me on how Phillip and Eloise will meet but have to forget it and go with the book. Interesting to see how the series will deal with this story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Physical abuse and Death of parent
stenaphierose's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
2.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness and Suicide attempt