A review by asourceoffiction
Still Alice by Lisa Genova

emotional informative sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was an incredibly beautiful, but incredibly sad, story. The writing is so clever in that you can really feel and see Alice's mental decline and the devastating effect it has on her life. As a reader I felt like I was close enough to Alice to spot symptoms she couldn't, and far enough removed to see the reactions of others that she couldn't, which made it all the more emotional.

There's also beauty in the areas Alice can still find joy, and the way her family throws themselves into supporting her. I struggled a lot with John's behaviour, but it was a brave choice to show different ways that caregivers need to try and cope.

The ending wasn't what I expected but there was a quiet peace in it. I wouldn't say I was happy by the end and this is really one to tug at your emotions, but I could see the love radiating out of the characters and that was something special.
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