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theblushbookworm's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I’m sure I’m not the only one who wishes for neat, happy endings in their books. In this way, Ann Patchett’s work challenges me as a reader, but her ambiguous endings and imperfect characters always stay with me much longer. This novel is a testament to the complexity of family. Ten members in all, four adult, six children, and two plus broken marriages this family is certainly complicated. There were certain plot lines I wanted explored more, which I won’t share because of spoilers, and the chronology of the novel was interesting but not to my taste. But this novel remains solidly four stars for the way it stays with me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Infidelity
Moderate: Death of parent and Grief
julianotjuliana's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Death, Death of parent, and Grief
rubl_b's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Child death, and Death
Minor: Cancer and Grief
kashby's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Grief, and Gun violence
Minor: Alcohol
v171's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I'm a sucker for multi-generational family dramas, and this one did not disappoint. I was really enamored with how charming each and every one of the characters were, complete with each of their flaws. Despite some characters getting far less attention than others, I still felt a deep connection to the full cast. That deep connection allowed me to really feel the emotions and pain the family went through over the years, from tragedy, to reconciliation, acceptance, and death. This is the story of a very modern family that I think we can all relate to in many ways. While I think some of the later chapters could have been shifted around for a more impactful message, I really enjoyed this book a lot.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Grief, and Infidelity
Moderate: Terminal illness and Toxic relationship
Minor: Addiction, Chronic illness, Drug use, and Racism
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