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saskiahill's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Terminal illness, and Grief
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Drug abuse, Infertility, Racism, Death of parent, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Classism
booktwitcher23's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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
4.75
snoakes7001's review against another edition
5.0
Should We Fall Behind tells the story of Jimmy, a young man who has been sleeping rough for a while. Dossing down in a subway one night he meets Betwa, and as their friendship blossoms it seems that maybe life is looking up.
When Betwa disappears, Jimmy tries to find her by haunting the places she described to him. This brings him to Shifnal Road and its residents. The story centres on Jimmy and his quest, but each of the people he encounters has their own story, their own sorrows and heartbreaks. Told from these multiple viewpoints, their lives are slowly revealed as Jimmy's mere presence causes ripples in the community and for many becomes a catalyst for change.
Sharon Duggal writes beautifully, with sensitivity and compassion, bringing these different characters to full and vibrant life. She demands empathy with lives so varied from our own experience - even the difficult and spiky ones. Should We Fall Behind is a fabulous read, but also an intelligent and subtle reminder that none of us is so very different from our fellow humans, and we are all deserving of the same dignity and respect.
When Betwa disappears, Jimmy tries to find her by haunting the places she described to him. This brings him to Shifnal Road and its residents. The story centres on Jimmy and his quest, but each of the people he encounters has their own story, their own sorrows and heartbreaks. Told from these multiple viewpoints, their lives are slowly revealed as Jimmy's mere presence causes ripples in the community and for many becomes a catalyst for change.
Sharon Duggal writes beautifully, with sensitivity and compassion, bringing these different characters to full and vibrant life. She demands empathy with lives so varied from our own experience - even the difficult and spiky ones. Should We Fall Behind is a fabulous read, but also an intelligent and subtle reminder that none of us is so very different from our fellow humans, and we are all deserving of the same dignity and respect.
ltulisiak's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-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? It's complicated
2.75
I received this book via a giveaway from The StoryGraph. I listened to it on Audrey. This story was ok overall- it didn’t fully grab me and I found myself having trouble getting through it. It was interesting that the intertwined relationships all centered around various interactions with Jimmy. I think there could probably be less characters and have more time developing these fewer characters as it was confusing to follow all of the story lines as the narration jumped between people. The descriptions of various peoples’ interactions with unhoused people (Jimmy) were interesting and poignant.
dafney's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
mahavir's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
simon1967's review
5.0
Emotionally vivid, full of empathy, and so clearly highlights the tragedy of disconnection in society. Made me cry, just a little
jmarierva's review
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
4.75
estim8tedpropht's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
5.0
This is one of the most gorgeous, beautifully moving books I've ever read. (or in this case, listened to) I don't think I've ever gotten chills like I've gotten after I finished Should We Fall Behind. Heartfelt and emotional, this is a novel you must check out.
mrsrealism's review against another edition
5.0
Beautiful book about what it is to be human, what we hide, and how we relate to one another.