Reviews

This book was pretty much what I expected! Didn’t LOVE it, because i knew i wouldn’t, but there were parts that really resonated with me— family drama, the aura of a house/place being so strong it feels like it’s own character. I liked this take on timeline/hopping back and forth from past and present, and the sibling dynamic a lot.. Ending fell flat, and again just nothing unsurprising or shocking about it. just fine overall. the characters felt so real?? especially the man who had no idea what was going on.. and ANGELA? i think well done, but maybe i should read a book by this author about a concept that actually interests me...

bricope1017's review against another edition

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emotional sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes

4.25

javafenn's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-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

5.0

Wow was this an excellent book and made even better listening to Tom Hanks read it! He did a great job at voicing each character and getting the real heart of this family. Danny and Maeve are very reliant on one another even when time and distance keep them apart. Maeve always looks out for Danny and Danny begrudgingly goes to medical school so his sister can stick it to their awful stepmother. The siblings go through so much in a lifetime that the last quarter of the book is so emotional. There was one death that happened so quick and you knew it would eventually but it just happened with no immediate lead up. It hit me like a gut punch and I had to stop for a minute to cry and catch my breath. I really wanted more from this family simply because it was so well written you felt like you knew them. Through loss and abandonment and heartache they remained a united force.

Content Warnings