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jmatkinson1's review against another edition
5.0
Jodie and Simon are twenty-something people who meet at a fast-food restaurant in London as they take on minimum wage soul-destroying jobs. Jodie is a single mother, devoted to her son but trying to escape the vicious circle of poverty that has dogged her through a childhood in care and an abusive relationship, she has ambitions to study at Cambridge. Simon is a mathematical genius whose life work is to solve complex hypotheses, a former child prodigy he has spiralled into obsessive behaviour following a difficult upbringing. These two unlikely characters form a strange friendship which helps both of them confront their demons.
I absolutely loved this book which surprised me as it is a genre that I find to glib in most cases. In common with Harris' first novel, society and mental illness are to the fore and handled extremely well. The descriptions of the life led by the two main characters is realistic - mouldy bedsits, payday loans, minimum wage jobs - and the supporting cast are well-rounded. The 'twists' at the end for both characters were totally expected but that didn't stop this being a really good read which hit home emotionally.
I absolutely loved this book which surprised me as it is a genre that I find to glib in most cases. In common with Harris' first novel, society and mental illness are to the fore and handled extremely well. The descriptions of the life led by the two main characters is realistic - mouldy bedsits, payday loans, minimum wage jobs - and the supporting cast are well-rounded. The 'twists' at the end for both characters were totally expected but that didn't stop this being a really good read which hit home emotionally.
melissa1991's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
darice's review
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-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
kiramillie's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
linneamorgan_14's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-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
3.75
lattesandcosyreads's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
4.75
pippamjtod's review against another edition
emotional
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
3.75
charlotte_helen's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I really enjoyed this book. From the dedication at the very beginning for all the children who were told they wouldn’t amount to anything in life this story touched me with its emotional yet inspiring writing. I picked this book up on a whim having previously never heard anything about it or it’s author and I am truly glad I stumbled across it. The family struggles, friendships and ambitions it highlights are something I feel all readers will be able to resonate with in one way or another. If you like Beth O’Learys styles of writing then this book is for you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Gaslighting, Violence, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, and Child abuse
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, Self harm, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Minor: Addiction