A review by morainjay
The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata

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? It's complicated

2.25

This book had so. much. telling. So much time is spent in the main character's head, and I very often was skimming pages because all of the internal monologuing would become so repetitive. When scenes had a better balance of showing and telling, I enjoyed the interactions and dialogue of the main characters a lot.

I'll also say that there was some interesting choices for pacing and plot progression. Example:
Way towards the end of the book, some of Adrian's friends come to visit and one of those friends knew Vanessa briefly in college. After Vanessa meets these friends, Adrian asks if Van dated the guy she already knew. Later in the day, Vanessa and this guy have a little moment, they brush arms and he says she looks, and then nothing else happens. 1. Vanessa and the guy should have had their arm brush and lil flirt before Adrian asks if they dated. Otherwise why does it matter we see this exchange?? 2. This whole thing should have been earlier in the story, if you ask me. It's coming too late in relation to what we've been seeing and learning about their relationship.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings