Reviews tagging 'Grief'

The Love of My Life by Rosie Walsh

17 reviews

lisa00's review against another edition

challenging emotional sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

0.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Kidnapping, Medical content, Medical trauma, Blood, Cancer, Emotional abuse, Pregnancy, Suicide attempt, Panic attacks/disorders, Terminal illness, Forced institutionalization, Alcohol, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Alcoholism, Child death, Death, Bullying, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, and Misogyny

Moderate: Miscarriage

meeklovestoread's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Honestly this story was not what I was expecting at all. And it took a direction that I didn't anticipate when I initially went into this book. The author's writing style was pretty foreign to me as well. And it was a slow in the beginning for me. I think around 60 pages is when the story started hitting off for me. It was pretty thrilling and heartbreaking. I understand why Emma felt the need to do what she did and same with Janice. It was a very entertaining read once the story picked up. But I felt like there are a few loose ends that needed more explaining. Like what was up with Jill? The author made it seem like there was a deeper meaning to her actions and then never went along to explain further.

Also them finding Janice was pretty anticlimactic to me. Not necessarily the part where they found her in the shed, but more so why she did it. Like the whole reason she abandoned her family over having a mental breakdown over what she did felt very underwhelming for me. I felt like that needed more explanation. And also I maybe have forgotten, but I don't recall this conversation Janice and Emma had that led to Emma finding her. And also the whole Robbie thing was made to seem like it was big but then was just explained away just like that.

Also the characters cutting each other off when they were trying to explain something was irrating and felt like a tool the authout used to further the suspense which is her prerogative of course. Overall I'm glad I ended up enjoying this book.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Grief, Pregnancy, Mental illness, Cancer, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis

Moderate: Miscarriage and Stalking

icieri's review against another edition

dark mysterious sad medium-paced

3.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Cancer, Mental illness, Pregnancy, Grief, Infertility, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Stalking, Suicide attempt, Gaslighting, and Child abuse

bitesizedbeet's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Cancer, Death of parent, Abandonment, Alcohol, Death, Forced institutionalization, Gaslighting, Grief, Mental illness, Pregnancy, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Stalking, Suicide attempt, and Toxic friendship

lifeonasofa's review against another edition

challenging emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

“It’s not exactly as I remembered, but that’s the thing with memory: it makes up its own stories. They harden and calcify in just the same way as facts, and most of the time we have no idea which is which” - Rosie Walsh 🧠

⭐️⭐️💫 2.5 Stars 

I was a big fan of Rosie Walsh’s ‘The Man Who Didn’t Call’ so I was so excited to find a her newest thriller! The book started with a similar light vibe. Walsh is brilliant at writing couples and family units. 🥰

As expected the story slowly became more confusing as it took some twisty turns. Walsh doesn’t write fast past thrillers, you definitely have to be patient and read carefully but the reveals are often unexpected. 😮 

Unfortunately, this book wasn’t quite as surprising for me. I imagine it’s hit or miss for readers which is risky. I did start to get a little impatient and didn’t feel like it paid off this time. The last section turned into a different genre again! It was jarring. 📖

I’m not sure I’ll be jumping at the chance to read the next release. 🤷🏻‍♀️

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Cancer, Death of parent, Drug abuse, Grief, Infertility, Kidnapping, Mental illness, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Stalking, and Suicidal thoughts

Minor: Child abuse and Abortion

jennifergbenson's review against another edition

emotional inspiring mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Grief

Minor: Infertility and Mental illness

coric's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

4.0

 Rosie Walsh is a genius at exploring the complexities of human nature, particularly when it comes to secret keeping, regrets, and guilt. I was drawn into the mystery of Emma’s secrets and Leo’s dogged determination to find the truth. Through their dual narration, you are filled simultaneously with hope and frustration as you witness their actions and missed opportunities for open communication and honesty. It’s a beautiful story about love, forgiveness, and when you should move forward instead of looking at the past. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Forced institutionalization, Grief, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Pregnancy

Minor: Cancer