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rebeccadussich's review against another edition
too slow-paced, very little character development, just couldn't keep my attention
christynhoover's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was my introduction to author Messud. This story of two childhood friends is fairly short, moved along well and was suspenseful.
I liked the reader of the audiobook format very much. She was well cast as reader.
But..... I found the conclusion unsatisfying.
I liked the reader of the audiobook format very much. She was well cast as reader.
But..... I found the conclusion unsatisfying.
rbeckett119's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
Laaaame. Booooo. Tomato tomato tomato. Two thumbs down. Feels like a story you'd read in your 6th grade literature text book except WAY too long. No real lessons learned. No major developments. Nothing keeping you on your toes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Suicide attempt, Domestic abuse, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Suicidal thoughts, Eating disorder, Animal death, Suicide, and Child abuse
kimireads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
thatssewash's review against another edition
emotional
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? It's complicated
2.75
cheekylaydee's review against another edition
4.0
There are friendships, especially as you're growing up, that you assume will last forever. That person has been an intrinsic part of your life for so long that you know them as well as you know yourself, maybe even better.
Such is the friendship between Julia and Cassie. Long summer days are spent in each other's company, creating their own private hideouts, every nuance and mannerism known to the other person, moods being read without the need for words.
However when the girls hit adolescence and Julia spends her summer away at camp, by the time the new year starts at school Cassie seems to have distanced herself from her oldest friend. With a new set of friends and different interests, the two girls are now virtual strangers with an irrevocably entwined past. The change seems to be so gradual and so subtle that it takes Julia a good while to realise that things just aren't the same anymore. She's beginning to realise that Cassie has developed into someone she no longer knows, with issues that run so deep she cannot seem to confide in her oldest friend, even as Julia practically cries out wanting to help her.
By the time people realise how much Cassie's life has spun out of control Julia is the only one that can help her, everybody else feeding off the gossip of her life like vultures feeding off of prey.
This novel is both heart-warming and heart-wrenching. Life getting in the way of seemingly the most solid of friendships creates a void for those involved, becoming familiar strangers can be both poignant and painful.
I didn't just gobble this up I virtually swallowed it whole! An absorbing read that will keep pages turning until they run out, 4 stars.
Such is the friendship between Julia and Cassie. Long summer days are spent in each other's company, creating their own private hideouts, every nuance and mannerism known to the other person, moods being read without the need for words.
However when the girls hit adolescence and Julia spends her summer away at camp, by the time the new year starts at school Cassie seems to have distanced herself from her oldest friend. With a new set of friends and different interests, the two girls are now virtual strangers with an irrevocably entwined past. The change seems to be so gradual and so subtle that it takes Julia a good while to realise that things just aren't the same anymore. She's beginning to realise that Cassie has developed into someone she no longer knows, with issues that run so deep she cannot seem to confide in her oldest friend, even as Julia practically cries out wanting to help her.
By the time people realise how much Cassie's life has spun out of control Julia is the only one that can help her, everybody else feeding off the gossip of her life like vultures feeding off of prey.
This novel is both heart-warming and heart-wrenching. Life getting in the way of seemingly the most solid of friendships creates a void for those involved, becoming familiar strangers can be both poignant and painful.
I didn't just gobble this up I virtually swallowed it whole! An absorbing read that will keep pages turning until they run out, 4 stars.
laila4343's review against another edition
3.0
Best friends coming of age and drifting apart. One is very troubled. I never quite believed narrator’s voice. Might have been more effective from an adult perspective looking back. Still, I turned the pages quickly enough. There was some interesting commentary about girls growing into women and the loss of physical freedom that entails. I’d recommend this only for Messud fans.
pensiona's review against another edition
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? No
3.5