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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
I knew I was going to like this book within the first chapter. The way the author ties in small stories and shows how everything connects was so beautiful. I truly felt Anthony's heart to collect things which are meaningless to others that are so meaningful to their owners. This book reminded me of the beauty in mundane things - that we don't always find meaning in extravagance. Following the narration and Laura's development almost made it feel like we were writing this story together. So beautifully written!
That said, I did get bored sometimes with the short stories because I became impatient with the overall unfolding of the plot. I also think maybe the story could've done without the paranormal bit. But all's to say that I'd recommend it for anyone who appreciates a good, heart-full story!
That said, I did get bored sometimes with the short stories because I became impatient with the overall unfolding of the plot. I also think maybe the story could've done without the paranormal bit. But all's to say that I'd recommend it for anyone who appreciates a good, heart-full story!
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
An eARC of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
*
This was generally an easy read, with some gorgeous writing, especially in the stories about the missing objects. I liked the characters, and the concepts in general, but I did feel like the relationships lacked a real tension that would give good emotional payoff at the end.
The character of Sunshine was somewhat problematic for me. She's gorgeously written (I really love the way she speaks, especially her description of herself as being "dancing drome" instead of Down syndrome), but at times she skated very close to the uncomfortable trope of being a disabled character with magical abilities who literally comes alone to provide answers when no one else has them. The fact that the rest of her life basically doesn't seem to exist on the page is what highlights this (her family are off screen, for example, for most of the time). Many readers likely won't have an issue with this, but for me, as a reader who is chronically ill and involved with disability rights, I am more aware (and possibly more sensitive) to these issues.
*
This was generally an easy read, with some gorgeous writing, especially in the stories about the missing objects. I liked the characters, and the concepts in general, but I did feel like the relationships lacked a real tension that would give good emotional payoff at the end.
The character of Sunshine was somewhat problematic for me. She's gorgeously written (I really love the way she speaks, especially her description of herself as being "dancing drome" instead of Down syndrome), but at times she skated very close to the uncomfortable trope of being a disabled character with magical abilities who literally comes alone to provide answers when no one else has them. The fact that the rest of her life basically doesn't seem to exist on the page is what highlights this (her family are off screen, for example, for most of the time). Many readers likely won't have an issue with this, but for me, as a reader who is chronically ill and involved with disability rights, I am more aware (and possibly more sensitive) to these issues.
While I did enjoy the story, it did seem as though there was not a lot of time discussing the ‘lost’ items. I was really hoping to hear more of those stories.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
It took me some time to get into this book, but by page 80 I was hooked and loved this sweet, magical story. It was a perfect book to read in
January, coming off of the busy holiday season. Light hearted and meaningful. Full of sweet friendships and a bit of magic. Great job by the author!
January, coming off of the busy holiday season. Light hearted and meaningful. Full of sweet friendships and a bit of magic. Great job by the author!
It had an interesting premise, but the characters felt flat and one-dimensional. I got 34% into the book yet the characters haven't hooked me, intrigued me, or otherwise given me reason to invest in their stories.
The very first paragraph was captivating. I could have done without the interactive spirit, but overall truly enjoyed the story. I got sixteen new vocabulary words; salmagundi, etiolated, trilby, budgerigar, fontanelle, bedlamite, mufti, Valpolicella Gordon, aspidistra, portcullis, ormolu, whingeing (or is this a typo?), pellucid, absinthe, outré, and puerile as well as learned what a ebony cursing bowl is. :) Lastly, I need to figure out the double comma in this sentence, " ... "chin, chin,, my darling girl!"" pg 3.
Een leuk feel good boek met leuke personages, de nodige woordgrapjes en een snuifje magisch realisme. Een piepklein snuifje. Een fijn boek om onder een dekentje te lezen nu de temperaturen wat aan het dalen zijn, want het boek zelf voelt aan als een warm dekentje.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
While I do have to admit that this book was beautifully written, I would be lying if I said I enjoyed any other part about it. I felt like after finishing the book still nothing had really happened, and though that doesn't necessarily have to be problem, it was in this book. I didn't give a flying fuck about the characters, which was a big dealbreaker, considering there was so little plot. Didn't like this book at all, happy to be done.