Scan barcode
chemreader's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Gripping coming of age story; told from the perspective of the already married, and pregnant protagonist. The main friendship of the book is well fleshed-out and believable. The story moved along seamlessly.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abortion
clairebartholomew549's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
4.0
I tore through this book. My friend from book club described this book as very Dolly Alderton-esque (which is the highest of compliments considering how much I adored Ghosts and Dolly's writing), and it really, really was. O'Donoghue perfectly captures the tumult of being a 21-year-old and the chaos of growing up during the 2008 recession, and, like Dolly, Rachel's moods and depression and general discomfort with herself come through so clearly. This book felt instantly familiar to me in the way it depicted how powerful friendship can feel in your early twenties and how devastating relationships can be, and the plot didn't go anywhere I expected it to, which I always appreciate. There are so few books that really capture the millennial female experience, and I felt warmed by this book throughout.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Fatphobia, Infertility, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Sexism, Grief, Abortion, Pregnancy, Alcohol, and Classism
yvlie's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
5.0
I loved this novel so much! It is such an exquisite mix of sad and witty.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abortion
rrubin97's review against another edition
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Interesting coming of age story set in Ireland in 2010. Both main characters were unlikable but I was invested in them until the book turned preachy on abortion and access to healthcare - which while I agree with the author she could have better made her point through the story rather than lecturing
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity and Abortion
Minor: Infertility
olga_vino's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abortion
Minor: Suicide
laurenburgueno's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
Moderate: Miscarriage and Abortion
lindsayerin's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage and Abortion
Minor: Homophobia
bookishpip's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage and Abortion
espressoreads's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I really enjoyed this book, picked it up randomly as I wanted to read some fiction for a change. The book takes place in 2008, so a recession, and I can certainly relate to that. The characters were excellent and not flat or trite which is how fiction can sometimes come off to me. Loved it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abortion
matildaesandell's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This was a very enjoyable read! It’s one of those books that explores a characters experience in their early 20’s, from a reflective point in their 30’s and it honestly gave me some perspective on some ways I should be reflecting on the stage of life I am in. Most notably, people in their early 20’s on deal in absolutes (e.g everything is either the absolute best or the world is falling apart). Bit too real 😂
I tandem read this one, listening to the audiobook and reading it physically and honestly recommend both mediums. The book is centred around and Irish FMC, so the audio book has an Irish narrator/accent and it was very enjoyable!
I tandem read this one, listening to the audiobook and reading it physically and honestly recommend both mediums. The book is centred around and Irish FMC, so the audio book has an Irish narrator/accent and it was very enjoyable!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Miscarriage and Abortion