A review by mattiedancer
Fayne by Ann-Marie MacDonald

challenging emotional mysterious reflective sad slow-paced

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

4.75

Fayne by Ann-Marie MacDonald

**SPOILERS**

Writing: 4.75⭐️/5 

This is a gorgeously written novel. The only critique I can think of is that sometimes the language was slightly overindulgent, but this is such a small problem in such a decadent novel. I loved how the story was told in between narration and letters. I loved how the letters revealed part of a story that was later explored with narration. I honestly just loved it.

Characters: 5⭐️/5

The depth in which each character was explored in this book was exquisite. I really loved that no one character felt purely good, but instead felt incredibly real. One of my favourite characters in the beginning, Charlotte/Charlie’s father, regressed so naturally into such an unlovable character. Similar but reversed arcs seemed to happen for Charlotte/Charlie’s mother, who seemed like a flippant character who gained character and depth throughout the telling of her tale. This novel has so many well-written characters, and I enjoyed each of them.

Plot: 4.5⭐️/5 

This is definitely a slower-paced novel, but in the best way. I loved how indulgent the author was in telling this story, allowing us to grow fond of Fayne and Charlotte before widening the story to other characters. While I wondered, initially, whether the switch to Lady Bell’s point-of-view would be necessary or redundant, it slowly revealed itself as incredibly relevant and wrenching, changing the opinion I held of several other characters with patience and precision. My only critique that held it back from five full stars was the ending. I felt that it dragged both far too long and far too quickly. It was off-putting, and I really think the story could have ended sooner or in a different spot. 

Who Should Read This Book? 

Readers looking for a slow, well-crafted read that will leave you reeling. 

Content Warnings? 

Blood, violence, forced institutionalization, misogyny, gaslighting, sexism, sexual harassment, sexual abuse, miscarriage, death of child, suicide, suicidal attempt, drowning, deadnaming, transphobia, homophobia, biphobia, domestic abuse, emotional abuse, 

Post-Reading Rating:  4.5⭐️/5

It was definitely a fun read, but the ending fell VERY flat for me.

Final Rating: 4.75⭐️/5 (4.69)

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Biphobia, Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Confinement, Cursing, Deadnaming, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Homophobia, Infertility, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Terminal illness, Torture, Toxic relationship, Transphobia, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Pregnancy, Lesbophobia, Fire/Fire injury, Outing, Gaslighting, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism