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3.3 AVERAGE
3.3 AVERAGE
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Reading the blurb I was quite intrigued to how the plot would last nearly 600 pages. For a lengthy book I was pleased to see there wasn't that many characters, you knew who the major ones were and the minors. I've not really heard much about Alliott's writing although I've seen many books on the shelves at book stores.
Usually books that revolve around a partner cheating annoys me as the other generally uses that was an excuse to go off and do it themselves, but for the most part this one seemed different. Imogen has been married to the love of her life for nearly ten years and nothing could be better. However when Alex's ex, turned good friend suggests they move into a cottage right on their doorstep, alarm bells start ringing. Upon moving there it's amazing to see how life is different for them all, particularly Imogen and their nine-year-old son Rufus as they have to deal with all the country troubles.
I didn't get on too well with the characters, I found Imogen pretty hysterical t times which was annoying, but I was willing to let that go as she thought her husband was having an affair. But calling out a vet to bring a dead chick back to life...? Then there was Alex, even though it was about them being a couple he was hardly ever in it. Eleanor was very frustrating too, it's clear to see why anyone would feel threatened by her. The only one's I generally liked were Rufus and Imogen's sister, Hannah.
With a few different characters there were a few different plots, which made the 600 pages go somewhat quicker, but they did divert from the main plot of the book at times. I was fairly enjoying the book until around the last 100 pages. It wasn't the ending I wanted and the last page just seemed random. There's not much I can say about it without revealing the plot but the ending just seemed thrown together.
All the way through the book I had mixed feelings it was good at times but very tedious at others. I'm going to look at the plots of her other books but I don't think I'm going to be going out of my way to read any others unless the plot sounds perfect.
Usually books that revolve around a partner cheating annoys me as the other generally uses that was an excuse to go off and do it themselves, but for the most part this one seemed different. Imogen has been married to the love of her life for nearly ten years and nothing could be better. However when Alex's ex, turned good friend suggests they move into a cottage right on their doorstep, alarm bells start ringing. Upon moving there it's amazing to see how life is different for them all, particularly Imogen and their nine-year-old son Rufus as they have to deal with all the country troubles.
I didn't get on too well with the characters, I found Imogen pretty hysterical t times which was annoying, but I was willing to let that go as she thought her husband was having an affair. But calling out a vet to bring a dead chick back to life...? Then there was Alex, even though it was about them being a couple he was hardly ever in it. Eleanor was very frustrating too, it's clear to see why anyone would feel threatened by her. The only one's I generally liked were Rufus and Imogen's sister, Hannah.
With a few different characters there were a few different plots, which made the 600 pages go somewhat quicker, but they did divert from the main plot of the book at times. I was fairly enjoying the book until around the last 100 pages. It wasn't the ending I wanted and the last page just seemed random. There's not much I can say about it without revealing the plot but the ending just seemed thrown together.
All the way through the book I had mixed feelings it was good at times but very tedious at others. I'm going to look at the plots of her other books but I don't think I'm going to be going out of my way to read any others unless the plot sounds perfect.
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The voice was authentic and there were several laugh-out-loud moments. "Crowded Marriage" was a light read and a mood lifter, for sure! It was, however, about 100 pages too long, and I often questioned the decisions of the main character while finding the results of those questionable decisions predictable. Still great for a weekend at the beach, though!