A review by below_average_baker
The Five People You Meet in Heaven, by Mitch Albom

sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I really liked the concept of this book but the execution felt rushed and disappointing. The "morals" felt like inspirational quotes you see on facebook rather than something actually deep and meaningful. The main thing that I hated was
Spoilerexcusing his father's lifelong abuse and making Eddie forgive him because the dad didn't quite kill the guy who sexually assaulted his wife
. That seems very poorly thought out without considering the nuance and complicated emotions that would actually be involved in the situation.

If you like the idea of this story, I would recommend "The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig instead, or even "On the Other Side" by Carrie Hope Fletcher. Personally, I enjoyed them far more.
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