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3.59 AVERAGE
3.59 AVERAGE
This is one of those books that I couldn't put down but that I didn't really like. I just didn't connect with the characters or the story so while I was in to know what happened, in the end I just couldn't give it more than 3 stars. This was a READER problem, I can totally see why people might love this, it was compelling and the storytelling was creative and interesting, I just didn't enjoy it.
I was hoping to give this book a better review. Loved her first book. The beginning was slow with characters that were intentionally shallow. It picked up in being interesting and cringe worthy towards the middle. The ending was just so unrealistic and disappointing. At least I hope it was unrealistic. Agatha’s character just didn’t make sense to me.
emotional
funny
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The writing is compelling, which I expected based on her previous novel. However, the story is a bit lacking in substance, without a clear and cohesive narrative and trajectory. A lot is left unsaid, with characters deliberately undeveloped. It definitely leaves you wanting and I suppose that is intentional. I do really enjoy her writing style.
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It's probably a challenge to write something as great as Such A Fun Age for a follow-up, and i suppose it's not fair for readers (or this one, anyway) to be disappointed when it's not as good. But it's not as good. The author nails a lot of things - money/power/age dynamics, in particular - and revisits, in some sense, the set-up of Such A Fun Age - late 30s white woman who should know better, in a monetary and overly invested social relationship with a much younger black woman. The character sketches are good, and I did ultimately care about at least Millie, the 24 year old RA. But I found a lot of it required quite an effort of suspended belief, as to the set up, and there was very little surprising about the denouement. It was a SLOW start, so many characters, so little plot. More social commentary than narrative, imo. Quite funny in places.
funny
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I liked the first 60%, but then it felt like the book went off the rails. Not a satisfying ending.
felt like snooping and gossiping on some randos and then watching everything blow up, very character heavy but i loved it
emotional
medium-paced
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes