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mels_reading_log's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This book follows a group of women and Gregory as they read through the works of Jane Austin and use the themes of love and loss to ruminate on their own lives. Each book club participant tells the reader all about their past in a non linear way and keeps dropping different antidotes until the very end.
Moderate: Ableism, Infidelity, Rape, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
crusoe's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book is amazing for those who -despite what the title suggests- haven't read Austen and are looking for a light summer read. It won't do you much good to expect deep or expert takes on Austen's books. Nor should you, because the book is precisely about women who love these books but aren't literary experts and so their analysis is heavily inspired by what they encounter in their own lives. This idea that you can read a book twice and walk away with a different interpretation based on where you are in life is heavily emphasized.
The characters and their story are immensely charming and the book presents a snapshot of their lives. It was really fun to learn about their past, their present and potential future.
The characters and their story are immensely charming and the book presents a snapshot of their lives. It was really fun to learn about their past, their present and potential future.
Graphic: Sexual assault
Moderate: Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Medical content, and Car accident
kaziaroo's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I finally read this after a decade of it sitting on my shelf. Unfortunately, the only interesting part was the book talk, which there wasn't much of; the rest was mostly unnecessary and dull. I just kept thinking, "why are you telling me this?". It did get better as it went along, once the author finally gave up her sex obsession, the casual use of the r-word stopped, and things started happening in the present rather than the past. I liked the structure and the narrative style was unique, but every character's voice sounded the same. I appreciate what she was trying to do with comparing the characters' lives with Jane Austen books, but it just wasn't very good.
Graphic: Ableism, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Animal death, Rape, Medical content, Lesbophobia, and Alcohol
Minor: Suicide, Car accident, and Classism
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