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A review by readinginthegrey
The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was recommended to me by someone at a bookstore, and I see why, it was quite good.
It does the grumpy sunshine trope well. Aidan is an MMC that's gruff and private but not in an over-dramatic 'I never smile ever' kind of way and is quite fawnable worthy. Vanessa, the FMC, has self-doubt that feels very relatable. The two bond in a way that feels organic. It's also a slow burn that's an actual slow burn.
For the first 200 pages or so, I was eating it up.
After that, I still read it, but more on a once in a while basis.
Vanessa got a bit much for me sometimes. For instance *spoilers* her friend is in an abusive relationship, but she's more concerned about the fact that she was lied to than her friend being in that situation. It does get addressed a little later on, but not in a meaningful way (despite the book being 500 pages).
Some points tend to repeat, like her self-denial (also, I get it, Aidan is huge, I and I don't need that mentioned 200 times) while others don't feel fleshed out enough. The mood also feels a bit on and off sometimes. Like there will be things like the abusive relationship mention or toxic family members, but for the most part, this is actually a pretty cozy read. On a personal note, I was excited that Aidan was vegan and hoped Vanessa would become one as well, but alas, that did not happen.
All that said, this was a decent comfort read. I'm glad I bought it, but don't think it will be a reread.
It does the grumpy sunshine trope well. Aidan is an MMC that's gruff and private but not in an over-dramatic 'I never smile ever' kind of way and is quite fawnable worthy. Vanessa, the FMC, has self-doubt that feels very relatable. The two bond in a way that feels organic. It's also a slow burn that's an actual slow burn.
For the first 200 pages or so, I was eating it up.
After that, I still read it, but more on a once in a while basis.
Vanessa got a bit much for me sometimes. For instance *spoilers* her friend is in an abusive relationship, but she's more concerned about the fact that she was lied to than her friend being in that situation. It does get addressed a little later on, but not in a meaningful way (despite the book being 500 pages).
Some points tend to repeat, like her self-denial (also, I get it, Aidan is huge, I and I don't need that mentioned 200 times) while others don't feel fleshed out enough. The mood also feels a bit on and off sometimes. Like there will be things like the abusive relationship mention or toxic family members, but for the most part, this is actually a pretty cozy read. On a personal note, I was excited that Aidan was vegan and hoped Vanessa would become one as well, but alas, that did not happen.
All that said, this was a decent comfort read. I'm glad I bought it, but don't think it will be a reread.
Content Warnings
Minor: Domestic abuse