Reviews

This is exactly what I have in mind when I am in the mood for literary fiction. It is a beautifully written collection of character studies which explores how people leave parts of themselves with us-molding us to into who we will become little by little. I just couldn't put it down.

clarinechow's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring reflective slow-paced

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

5.0

LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! this book got me feeling all sorts of emotions. I was chuckling and then tearing up in the span of one page. The prose was so so beautiful, one of the best books ever. The shortlist for the International Booker prize is well deserved.

elean0rtaylor's review against another edition

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slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.75

This was quite underwhelming given it is shortlisted for the International Booker.
The writing style is one that focuses a lot on the day to day mundanities which I normally love, but in this I just didn't feel connected to the story or characters in any way?
Perhaps because I listened as an audiobook, but I found it so hard to stay engaged and thus had to keep skipping back parts.

spaanhede's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad slow-paced

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

3.5

secretbookcase's review against another edition

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reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.0

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