Reviews

Panenka by Rónán Hession

j11mb0b's review

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4.0

i love joseph he is so deep and layered, what a lovely somber read

tomisreadingbooks's review

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emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

4.0

moonrivernotes's review

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3.0

3.5☆ — i didn't feel any particular sense of attachment to most of the characters and this bothers me because i think this book was about its characters. the story itself picked up better after the introduction of esther. a warm story, nevertheless!

tessaloes's review

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4.0

i did love it it was interesting and calm and easy to read but still brought me interesting perspectives some great lines i read a few times over 4,5

miaajolinee's review

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reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

beanewman's review

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emotional reflective 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

lulullon's review

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challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

lum1994's review

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4.0


"I think I was in this state where I needed to be surrounded by love but couldn't let it touch me"

This is an incredible story. It's beautiful, heartbreaking and hopeful. I loved it so much!

rating: 4.5/5

mitdream28's review

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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? Yes

4.75

virginiaferri's review

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5.0

This is a stunning novel about a man, nicknamed Panenka, trying to make up for the seemingly insignificant mistakes of his past, but which have cost him everything. The reader is pulled into the story, as we are told something about Panenka that no one else knows — we are tied, invested in this character, but at the same time burdened with knowledge. As our frustration for the main character grows, so does our sympathy as he tries his best to reform relationships, and reconnect with love. Hession moves seamlessly between different perspectives, narrating the novel from the outside mind of different characters, but still keeping a safe distance from all of them, not allowing them to get too close to each other. Hession’s philosophical yet simple writing is mesmerizing and will draw you into this book — strongly recommend if you’re looking for a short read!