Reviews with content warning for Infidelity - Greta and Valdin

Reviews tagging 'Infidelity'

Greta and Valdin by Rebecca K Reilly

13 reviews

withlivjones's review

emotional funny lighthearted reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I liked the exploration of different kinds of love - romantic, platonic, especially familial. Every member of Greta and Valdin’s family has a unique character and I loved reading about their messy backstories and relationships. The narrative voice was very fun to read as well, I imagine an experience similar to reading the transcript of a very long stand-up set (take that as you will). However, throughout the book I felt a little like something was missing, and I can’t quite put my finger on what - it’s kind of like there were inside jokes in the book that I wasn’t privy to. Overall, though, a fun and endearing read.

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bookedbymadeline's review against another edition

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emotional funny reflective relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I read Greta and Valdin by Rebecca K Reilly for a buddy read and had so much fun! I started reading this on Everand and 4 chapters in I already wanted to buy my own copy so I can highlight all the amazing lines and moments of humor/relatability (but will be waiting until the paperback release) ☺️

I love learning about the family’s history and their relationships with one another! The characters felt so real and relatable. There were humorous moments but also moments of vulnerability and heartache. The book had me laughing out loud and also wanting to hug G and V 🩷 Also the characters were complex and flawed so I loved their journey of growing/finding themselves.

I related a lot to both MCs with their anxious overthinking and literal thinking. The anxiety and OCD rep was really well done; it made the characters feel even more realistic. The novel is all vibes no plot and felt like you were becoming part of their family, getting a glimpse into their daily lives and problems! I can’t wait to see what Reilly writes next 😍

Rep: Māori author and MCs, Gay MC and side character, Lesbian MC, Bi Side character/love interest, anxiety, OCD, queer and autistic author

“This book is for hot autistic people, people from the city, people who have been mistaken for a different ethnicity, queer and trans people who are tired of being strong and just want to do jokes, tall girls, and haters” I loved this from the acknowledgments

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torturedreadersdept's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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messymimms's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Welp! It happened…I took a break from reading. I started a slow book and a difficult book and then just…went back to TV for a while.

But anyway, I had to read Greta and Valdin for a book club (I don’t know why I’m saying I had to, it was my book suggestion) after going to a discussion by the author.

This book is chaotic and a little stressful at times, but it was also laugh out loud funny on a number of occasions. And that’s pretty great, it’s hard to make that happen.

I was intrigued at the event to find out that Rebecca K Reilly is not from a hodgepodge Māori and European family, because that seemed like such a weird and wonderful choice. She makes it work in the book, in an almost believable way. Almost.

This book perfectly captures what it’s like to be neurodivergent in a neurodivergent family and everyone thinks they’re normal because they’re all weird, and then when outsiders get a look in all of a sudden they realise they are really strange and have odd habits and traditions. And no one’s diagnosed cause no one needs to be (cause everyone is weird) except for OCD for some reason. Interesting.

I preferred the beginning to the end; I think I liked the characters more when they didn’t have their shit figured out. They were funnier then!

Nice book to get out of a slump. 3.75/5.

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bisexualbookshelf's review against another edition

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emotional funny reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Rebecca K. Reilly’s Greta and Valdin is a gem of a novel that captivates with its dark humor, intricate family dynamics, and poignant exploration of identity. The story follows the titular siblings, Greta and Valdin, as they navigate their queer lives in contemporary Auckland, New Zealand. Reilly masterfully captures the absurdities and complexities of modern life, from the struggle of living with mental health issues to the subtle nuances of cultural identity.

One of the novel's standout features is its humor. Reilly has a gift for crafting scenes that are both hilarious and deeply resonant. Valdin’s existential musings and Greta’s chaotic dating life are portrayed with a wit that often had me laughing out loud. Valdin’s stream-of-consciousness reflections, whether about the potential pitfalls of getting a boyfriend with a car or the intricacies of OCD, are darkly funny yet painfully true to life.

The novel’s treatment of names and identity also struck a personal chord. As someone with a culturally specific name, I found the siblings’ experiences with name pronunciation and spelling deeply relatable. The frequent need to correct or explain their names underscores a broader commentary on the importance of cultural identity and the dehumanizing effects of having it constantly questioned or mispronounced. Reilly subtly weaves this theme throughout the novel, highlighting the ways in which names are tied to personal and cultural identity, and how this can be both a source of pride and a burden.

The exploration of queer identity is another strength of the novel. Both Greta and Valdin are queer, and their experiences are depicted with a refreshing honesty that avoids clichés. Greta’s dating trials, for example, are portrayed with a mix of humor and heartache that is both entertaining and deeply moving. Reilly’s depiction of queer anxiety — the constant questioning of one's choices and the fear of not fitting in — is particularly resonant. This is especially evident in Valdin’s chapters, where his anxiety and obsessive tendencies are portrayed with a realism that many will find familiar.

The novel also delves into the complexities of family relationships, particularly the ways in which family members influence each other's behaviors and thought patterns. The interactions between the siblings and their parents are tender and nonjudgmental, reflecting a deep familial bond that is both heartwarming and, at times, challenging.

In conclusion, Greta and Valdin is a deeply engaging novel that blends humor with thoughtful exploration of identity, culture, and mental health. Reilly’s writing is sharp and insightful, making this a must-read for anyone who enjoys character-driven stories with a queer focus. The novel’s blend of dark humor, cultural commentary, and heartfelt family dynamics ensures that it will resonate with a wide audience, leaving readers both entertained and moved.

📖 Recommended For: Fans of witty, character-driven narratives, readers who enjoy exploring the intricacies of family dynamics and cultural identity, those drawn to stories with a strong sense of place, and admirers of decolonial literary fiction.

🔑 Key Themes: Family and Belonging, Queer Identity, Cultural Heritage, Love and Relationships.

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chris_reads's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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sadhbh2525's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

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lettuce_read's review against another edition

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4.5

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aileron's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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shaun_dh's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book is one of my new favs of all time. I laughed, cried, screamed, pleaded—all out loud. This book is everything. I hate that I can’t read it for the first time ever again. I am so deeply invested in every single character and I would do many unsavory things to be a part of this family. I feel like there’s no words I can use to describe this book that will do it justice, it’s just…perfect

It’s a warm hug, a witty retort, a ready ear, and a sturdy shoulder to cry on that pairs well with overthinking everything and drunk texting your ex

I cannot wait to read it again

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