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A review by lydiapresley
Beyond Any Experience by Anne E. Terpstra
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
fast-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
4.0
I enjoyed Beyond Any Experience, both as a fictional story as well as a lesson in sexuality. Anne Terpstra describes herself as writing sex-positive stories and I really found that to be the case here.
I thoroughly enjoyed the character growth and introspection from both Olivia and Ellie. Both characters were flawed and interesting and the relationship that forms, as a result, is one of give and take in a lot of beautiful ways (emotionally, sexually, mentally).
The only real issue I found with the book was how heavy-handed it felt as if the dialogue with Ben (Olivia's son) felt. It seemed as if it were more there to serve the story of Ellie and Olivia than serve Ben's story. This made me feel uncomfortable, as it felt as if disability here was used as a pawn rather than thoughtfully engaged with.
I still really enjoyed the book, don't get me wrong. I found it to be an enlightening, beautiful way to learn about romance in a way that is still quite new to me.
I thoroughly enjoyed the character growth and introspection from both Olivia and Ellie. Both characters were flawed and interesting and the relationship that forms, as a result, is one of give and take in a lot of beautiful ways (emotionally, sexually, mentally).
The only real issue I found with the book was how heavy-handed it felt as if the dialogue with Ben (Olivia's son) felt. It seemed as if it were more there to serve the story of Ellie and Olivia than serve Ben's story. This made me feel uncomfortable, as it felt as if disability here was used as a pawn rather than thoughtfully engaged with.
I still really enjoyed the book, don't get me wrong. I found it to be an enlightening, beautiful way to learn about romance in a way that is still quite new to me.