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A review by ardentlyelle
House of Frank by Kay Synclaire
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
House of Frank is a beautiful story about love and grief and all the ways those two all-consuming feelings are tethered together. The story follows Saika, who lands herself at Ash Gardens so she can plant the ashes of her sister in the magical arboretum that grows there. The trees are tended to by Frank, who founded Ash Gardens with his wife Kay, who is also growing amongst the grove. There is a charming cast of characters who help to keep the house running, including Oli, who is probably my favorite love interest of everything I've read in 2024.
This was a special book. Every page was touched by love and empathy and an understanding and respect for grief and loss that so many people need. I devoured the second half of it in a single sitting, and I enjoyed every heart wrenching moment of it. The book invites you to mourn, and rewards that heavy lift with a happy ending that not only felt earned, but real. It doesn't always get easier, but it does get better.
The casual queerness of many of the characters, and Saika's sweet point of view as she caught her beloved sister Fiona up on her life, made this such a delightful read for me. Whether you've lost loved ones or want to support those that you love who have, I cannot recommend this book enough.
This was a special book. Every page was touched by love and empathy and an understanding and respect for grief and loss that so many people need. I devoured the second half of it in a single sitting, and I enjoyed every heart wrenching moment of it. The book invites you to mourn, and rewards that heavy lift with a happy ending that not only felt earned, but real. It doesn't always get easier, but it does get better.
The casual queerness of many of the characters, and Saika's sweet point of view as she caught her beloved sister Fiona up on her life, made this such a delightful read for me. Whether you've lost loved ones or want to support those that you love who have, I cannot recommend this book enough.