Reviews with content warning for Alcoholism - Gespräche mit Freunden

‘After that I put some cold water on my face and dried it, the same face I had always had, the one I would have until I died.’

I get it guys! I get it. Her written voice is compelling. Even when things got repetitive, I still found the character voices and emotional atmosphere absorbing.

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sammietee's review against another edition

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reflective medium-paced

Loveable characters? No

3.5

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jillmorris's review against another edition

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challenging emotional fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

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sunburntghost's review against another edition

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3.0

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jenccino's review against another edition

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challenging reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Disappointing read - lots of potential to explore topics and character dynamics, but it's not followed through. I felt like subjects like mental health, physical health were mentioned, detailed, and then just...left there. At first I thought Frances is avoidant and that's why it's so frustrating and everything gets pushed to the side, but turns out pretty much all the characters are stagnant about decisions and problems. Even the characters (Melissa, Bobbi) who seem direct use some kind of pretentious reasoning for not developing their stances. I only managed to get to the end as I hoped there might be an actual conclusion. Anyway, some interesting moments in the book, but overall felt like a waste of time.

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