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mcloonejack's review against another edition
5.0
This book is a magic trick. Karen Joy Fowler manages to mold together two incredible hard to execute writing devices—non-linear storytelling and an unreliable narrator—into something delightful. Well not “delightful,” per se: this book is devastating. But it’s an awe-inspiring, thought-provoking read with a ton of heart.
Fowler’s wit really buoys this book. Without it, the heaviness of it all would sink it to the depths.
It’s incredibly hard to sum up why this was so great for me. The themes sing on every page, the metaphors are apparent but not heavy handed, the characters are vibrant and very real in ways that frustrate and stun, and the heartbreak is unrelenting.
Read this, that’s the best way to sum it up.
Fowler’s wit really buoys this book. Without it, the heaviness of it all would sink it to the depths.
It’s incredibly hard to sum up why this was so great for me. The themes sing on every page, the metaphors are apparent but not heavy handed, the characters are vibrant and very real in ways that frustrate and stun, and the heartbreak is unrelenting.
Read this, that’s the best way to sum it up.
roleynicoley's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I don't think I fully understood this book... it was entertaining and sweet but, like eh
tamracielle's review against another edition
4.0
This book is quite unlike any I've ever read. Karen Joy Fowler (no relation) is a remarkable writer. Rosemary Cooke is a compelling narrator, with an extensive vocabulary. Some writers are off-putting when they use too many unfamiliar words, like they are trying to show off. But it comes across in a very natural way in this case, considering Rosemary's personality and upbringing. And what an upbringing she has had. The book is both poignant and laugh-out-loud funny. And it forces the reader to confront hard truths about human treatment of animals that we often would rather not think about. The book's momentum slowed toward the end as it got maybe a little too didactic, else I would have given 5 stars. Highly recommended.
mrsekhall's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
mrs_bonaventure's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
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
vicki113's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
msdanielle's review against another edition
5.0
A bittersweet tale of love and jealousy in a family. At times, I had to put the book down because i couldn't read while crying.
threegoodrats's review against another edition
4.0
My review is here.
"Maybe anosognosia, the inability to see your own disability, is the human condition and I'm the only one who doesn't suffer from it." p.278
"Maybe anosognosia, the inability to see your own disability, is the human condition and I'm the only one who doesn't suffer from it." p.278
stephaniesteen73's review against another edition
4.0
One of the most unique stories I have read in awhile with a surprising reveal in the middle (don't read any summaries of this book - go in blindly!) Didn't really bond with the narrator but still worth a read.