A review by cstein
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes

adventurous informative lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Entertaining. Long enough to have an interesting variety of plot points and believable development of at least a few of the main characters. At the same time, leaned too heavily on Appalachian stereotypes. Part historical fiction, part multigenerational and legal drama, part romance novel, this book never seemed to make up its mind about its goals. Might have been better if Moyes chose one angle/character and stuck with it--it seemed like she drew from a few more sources of inspiration than she could fully address, given the confines of the book's length and her audience's interests. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse and Physical abuse

Moderate: Animal death, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Racism, Sexism, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Cultural appropriation, and Alcohol

Minor: Ableism, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Incest, Miscarriage, Rape, Sexual assault, and Suicidal thoughts