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seasonofreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Vomit, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Racism, Infidelity, Misogyny, Violence, Miscarriage, and War
syd14m's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Graphic: War, Misogyny, Death, and Mental illness
Moderate: Alcoholism, Addiction, Drug abuse, Grief, Blood, Car accident, Miscarriage, and Suicide
carly_the_librarian's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
What I liked:
- I especially enjoyed Part 1, set in Vietnam. It was fast paced mixed with war, hospital emergencies, and dramatic romance.
- I loved the friendship between Frankie, Barb, and Ethel.
- There were quite a few unexpected plot twists- especially with Rye!
What I didn't like:
- Part 2 was a harder read. I think it is an important part of the Vietnam veteran experience, so I see why it was important to include it. However, it was tough to see Frankie continually hurt herself and not catch a break for so long. I felt it was perhaps a bit too much at times.
- The romance in this book definitely kept me guessing, but there wasn't a satisfying end in my opinion. The storyline with Rye was heartbreaking. I didn't see their story ending the way that it did which made me feel for Frankie. I felt like the ending was hinting that she and Jamie might end up together, although I wish that had been solidified more. However, I do think that part of the character development for Frankie was learning to be happy on her own after letting romantic relationships affect her happiness for so long.
Graphic: Mental illness, Medical trauma, Addiction, Death, Grief, Medical content, Sexism, War, Alcohol, Gore, Infidelity, and Blood
Moderate: Drug abuse, Pregnancy, Alcoholism, Miscarriage, and Car accident
Minor: Misogyny, Cursing, Drug use, and Suicidal thoughts
morethanmylupus's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Women can be heroes.
Once again, Hannah has managed to write an incredibly moving novel on a rarely-covered topic.
I thought the first part in Vietnam was really long given that the book is supposed to be about what happens when she gets home. However, as I kept reading, I could see why Hannah wrote it the way she did. The first part really sets the stage for Frankie's return and the way the impacts of the trauma of the war play out in her life. The characters were complex (and, for once, not all white - something I often struggle with in Hannah's novels).
It did feel like the time period was repeatedly forced on us. How many times did we need to be told that someone was wearing bell bottoms? By the end, I was rolling my eyes at every mention of the clothing.
Graphic: Misogyny, Alcoholism, Miscarriage, War, Medical content, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Police brutality
sheilahill89's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Addiction, War, Misogyny, and Alcoholism
Moderate: Grief and Death
Minor: Suicide attempt, Pregnancy, Miscarriage, and Suicidal thoughts
lomilt's review against another edition
- 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
3.75
Graphic: Medical trauma, Miscarriage, Blood, Alcoholism, Addiction, Medical content, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Gore, Grief, War, Mental illness, Sexism, Drug abuse, Forced institutionalization, and Misogyny
mwritt's review against another edition
- 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
4.75
Graphic: Misogyny, Violence, and War
Minor: Suicide attempt
alli_christi's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Drug use, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Drug abuse, Child death, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, Medical content, Mental illness, Self harm, Alcohol, Gore, Infidelity, Addiction, Alcoholism, Blood, Medical trauma, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, War, and Death
Moderate: Miscarriage, Pregnancy, Misogyny, and Cursing
Minor: Police brutality, Forced institutionalization, and Cancer
laura_berger's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Graphic: Blood, Miscarriage, Mental illness, and Medical content
Moderate: Addiction, Cancer, Car accident, Grief, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Alcohol, Death, Misogyny, Child death, and Gaslighting
Minor: Police brutality
kaylamoran's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Gore, Blood, Suicide attempt, Mental illness, Death, Grief, Medical trauma, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Miscarriage, War, Addiction, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Pregnancy, Gun violence, Fire/Fire injury, Car accident, Genocide, Misogyny, and Sexism
Minor: Racism