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sandramarinis's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I really liked this book! Being able to deep dive into the minds of the family members and seeing their different points of view related to the same situation was so fun. So detailed! Impressive work and writing. I really liked how the book reflects the frustration, jealousy and stress the main characters go through, and how it all builds up to their personal love life falling apart as well . In a way they're all just like their parents. This book made me emotional in all the good and bad ways. The part with the miscarriage made me so sad for her.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abortion
Moderate: Drug use, Miscarriage, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Grief, Abortion, Suicide attempt, Pregnancy, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
abbie_'s review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.0
I was loving this initially, a very introspective exploration of a family after their parents announce they’re divorcing at 70 years old. Although there are three kids, most of the book flips between perspectives from the two eldest daughters, Liv and Ellen. I enjoyed their POVs, their attempts to come to terms with the new reality of their family, that their parents are more than just their parents, but people with their own lives outside of their children. Ellen’s story was particularly heartbreaking as she struggled to conceive.
But then the last 50 pages randomly come from Håkon’s perspective, the son, despite not hearing from him for the first 170 pages. It was jarring and I didn’t enjoy it anywhere near as much as Liv & Ellen. It was a lot of philosophising on something Håkon has abided by most of his life (trying to avoid spoilers here), only for him to suddenly abandon those principles in the last 2 pages? The last section honestly felt like a different book!
I think I’d still recommend it for those who enjoy slower paced reads based around family structure and dynamics.
But then the last 50 pages randomly come from Håkon’s perspective, the son, despite not hearing from him for the first 170 pages. It was jarring and I didn’t enjoy it anywhere near as much as Liv & Ellen. It was a lot of philosophising on something Håkon has abided by most of his life (trying to avoid spoilers here), only for him to suddenly abandon those principles in the last 2 pages? The last section honestly felt like a different book!
I think I’d still recommend it for those who enjoy slower paced reads based around family structure and dynamics.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility
Moderate: Miscarriage