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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
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:
No
TW: sexual assault. It's been a while since I started a review with a trigger warning, and I'm not very consistent with them, but this one really got to me. Made me feel physically ill. But it was also worth it to read (or in my case: listen to) this book.
Elvira Carr, 27, has a "condition", and has lived a sheltered life with her mother - after the passing of her father - until her mother has a stroke which lands her in a care home. This leads to major changes in Elvira's life, that while challenging, ultimately bring about a lot of good. She navigates these changes with the help of lovely neighbour Sylvia, and her own set of 7 rules for getting along with "normal typicals" and not sticking out too much (which in the past has led to bullying, staring and people shouting abuse).
This was a "good sad" sort of story, though in particular the assault was hard to stomach. It has a lot of lighter moments along with the heartbreaking ones. The author seems to have a very good understanding of Elvira and her condition, and how most of her misguided actions or choices are well-intended. The story has a lot of heart and is overall uplifting.
It was rather predictable, but I mostly didn't mind that. Though I do wonder at the choice of not explicitly naming the condition (which is clearly ASD), and Elvira referring to neurotypicals as "normal typicals". Particularly with Elvira's penchant for looking up words, knowing the correct ones and their meanings, and knowing she researched her "condition" online. I also found Elvira's stumbling over every single figure of speech a bit of a trial after a while. It may be realistic, though it seems a little strange that she wouldn't have come across some of the most common ones used in her 27 years - even though she didn't have an extensive social network.
I was a little worried there was too much focus on Elvira fitting in and adapting, but the ending - which was very sweet - laid that concern to rest.
Also, Elvira's biscuit obsession made me a little bit sad that we don't seem to have such a thing as a variety tin of biscuits in the Netherlands, but maybe that's for the best...
Elvira Carr, 27, has a "condition", and has lived a sheltered life with her mother - after the passing of her father - until her mother has a stroke which lands her in a care home. This leads to major changes in Elvira's life, that while challenging, ultimately bring about a lot of good. She navigates these changes with the help of lovely neighbour Sylvia, and her own set of 7 rules for getting along with "normal typicals" and not sticking out too much (which in the past has led to bullying, staring and people shouting abuse).
This was a "good sad" sort of story, though in particular the assault was hard to stomach. It has a lot of lighter moments along with the heartbreaking ones. The author seems to have a very good understanding of Elvira and her condition, and how most of her misguided actions or choices are well-intended. The story has a lot of heart and is overall uplifting.
It was rather predictable, but I mostly didn't mind that. Though I do wonder at the choice of not explicitly naming the condition (which is clearly ASD), and Elvira referring to neurotypicals as "normal typicals". Particularly with Elvira's penchant for looking up words, knowing the correct ones and their meanings, and knowing she researched her "condition" online. I also found Elvira's stumbling over every single figure of speech a bit of a trial after a while. It may be realistic, though it seems a little strange that she wouldn't have come across some of the most common ones used in her 27 years - even though she didn't have an extensive social network.
I was a little worried there was too much focus on Elvira fitting in and adapting, but the ending - which was very sweet - laid that concern to rest.
Also, Elvira's biscuit obsession made me a little bit sad that we don't seem to have such a thing as a variety tin of biscuits in the Netherlands, but maybe that's for the best...
Heartwarming and insightful, this book allows us to see the world through the eyes of an autistic character. I throughly enjoyed reading this book, and although it felt a bit too long, I understand that it wouldn’t be fitting to rush a story like this. Frances’ characters are complex and dynamic, and a true representation of the fact that, in life, things are rarely black or white. I can’t remember the last time a book made me really wish the best to a character from the bottom of my heart!
2.5/5
I didn't feel like this book really went anywhere or that there was any meaningful character development. Elvira was a likeable character and of course I felt sympathetic towards her at times. I felt there was a great chance to delve deeper with the 'incident' at the zoo, but even that just felt like a random event thrown in. The whole father storyline was predictable and bleh. Overall: not bad, not good.
I didn't feel like this book really went anywhere or that there was any meaningful character development. Elvira was a likeable character and of course I felt sympathetic towards her at times. I felt there was a great chance to delve deeper with the 'incident' at the zoo, but even that just felt like a random event thrown in. The whole father storyline was predictable and bleh. Overall: not bad, not good.
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
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
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
hopeful
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I loved this book. Elvira is a character that you just want to pick up and cuddle.
I really loved this book. It gave off similar vibes to the curious incident of the dog and Elinor oliphant books. But I can’t recommend this book enough. Especially if you have any interest in autistic spectrum dissorders