Scan barcode
carlaabra's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This is a rare case where I loved the writing (cutting and sarcastic with a shrewd eye for suburban hypocrisy) but disliked the plot. About halfway through, the plot really started to lag. The plot with Cecilia/Rachel seemed to dominate over the Tess portion, especially towards the end.
Overall the book explores how we keep secrets from our closest friends and family, and the bitter consequences of guilt and shame. Can you ever truly know someone else? What happens when your morality is put to the test, especially when your family is on the line? The plot lives in moral greyness. The characters are human and, imo, not very good people but trying their best, mostly. My one critique is that they could be stunningly ignorant to their own feelings and those around them- so many immature forty-somethings. However this is true to life.
Overall the book explores how we keep secrets from our closest friends and family, and the bitter consequences of guilt and shame. Can you ever truly know someone else? What happens when your morality is put to the test, especially when your family is on the line? The plot lives in moral greyness. The characters are human and, imo, not very good people but trying their best, mostly. My one critique is that they could be stunningly ignorant to their own feelings and those around them- so many immature forty-somethings. However this is true to life.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Sexual content, Child death, and Infidelity
Minor: Violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Injury/Injury detail, and Suicide attempt
Violence ismdeck24's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Car accident, Domestic abuse, Fatphobia, Death, Infidelity, Murder, and Panic attacks/disorders
pyourch's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I loved this book. I flew through it due to the suspense, the drama, the build up. truly a page turner. short, digestible chapters that flip between multiple characters / situations. Easy to read but a lot to take away as well. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys multiple POVs, mystery and drama.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Medical content, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Child death, Death, Fatphobia, and Grief
izwit's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Car accident, Grief, Fatphobia, Child death, and Murder
Moderate: Vomit, Medical content, Violence, and Panic attacks/disorders
More...