A review by chloelj27
The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad fast-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

5.0

What I liked:
• The beautiful, poetic yet emotional way death was spoken about.
• The ideology of Clover with her three notebooks and how she used them in her daily life.
• Clover’s memories with her grandad and the wisdom he always imparted.
• The growth of Clover’s character.

This book has left me speechless in the best possible way. The Collected Regrets of Clover was heartbreakingly stunning. Somehow, this book managed to break my heart and piece it together all in one go. 

Focusing on Clover and her occupation as a death doula was fascinating! The story explores many faces of grief and they way it changes a person. To learn the reason why Clover does the job she does was so bittersweet. The pain she held onto for such a long time really tugged at the heartstrings alongside learning how she never experienced true friendship and love until now. Clover deserved the world and to see her story progress, realisations come to light and changes be made was beautiful.

Every character had their own contribution to the storyline and I loved every single one of them. Each contributed to Clover’s growth and the relationships she formed with them all warmed my heart.

The way Brammer wrote and explored death and grief was breathtaking. Some of the scenes utterly destroyed me while others uplifted me. There are many quotes in this book I adored and that will stay with me for a long time! 

Although this book is fiction, it unintentionally felt a little like a self help book. I really reflected on people I have lost and the grief I still feel today. It really opened my eyes and it feels refreshing and comforting to know all the feelings that come with death and loss are normal. 

With Brammer’s writing and the emotion packed into this book, you would not think this is a debut novel! I can’t wait to pick up a physical copy, but also to see what is next for her work! Definitely an author in adding to my auto-buy list! 

Thank you NetGalley, Mikki Brammer and Viking Books for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
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