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rubymajor's review against another edition
3.75
The book definitely wasn't what I was expecting it to be. I picked it up expecting a more of a fantasy/magical realism book, but it turned out to be more of a historical fiction with a sprinkling of magical realism. Coming from that perspective, I was pretty disappointed that the magic of the bookshop was largely ignored or glossed over. It seemed more of an extraneous detail, had you taken it away I don't think it would have changed the overall story much. I would have really liked to have read more about the bookshop and how the magic of it worked, where it came from, etc.
That being said, I think if I had picked this up expecting more of a historical fiction, I would have been enchanted by the subtle hints of magic and whimsy. It this sense, I would say it's a cozy, whimsical book perfect for casual reading by a fire with some tea - it just gives off those vibes. In between there is some truly beautiful writing and some fabulous tidbits of women finding and owning their power in a time and world that doesn't value them. The author's love of books is obvious, not only in the characters love of books, but in the many wonderful quotes about the power of books and stories. I thought that the 3 POV's and dual timelines were very skillfully intertwined, and I really enjoyed finding all the little connections as we alternated between them.
My biggest complaint though:
Moderate: Violence, Pregnancy, Misogyny, Child death, Mental illness, Infidelity, Sexism, Forced institutionalization, and Emotional abuse
town_scar'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
4.0
Graphic: Gaslighting, Forced institutionalization, Sexism, Physical abuse, Death, Child death, and Misogyny
Moderate: War, Mental illness, Stalking, Kidnapping, Pregnancy, Medical trauma, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, and Grief
winglesswarrior'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? No
4.5
Graphic: Forced institutionalization, Physical abuse, Gaslighting, Alcoholism, Infidelity, Pregnancy, and Emotional abuse
jijirich's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Graphic: Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Forced institutionalization, Infidelity, Kidnapping, Medical trauma, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Stalking, Confinement, Abandonment, Child death, Alcoholism, and Murder
girrllie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Graphic: Alcoholism, Misogyny, Stalking, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Infidelity, Pregnancy, Death, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Sexism, and Toxic relationship
milton's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.75
Graphic: Confinement, Emotional abuse, and Forced institutionalization
Moderate: Murder, Domestic abuse, Death, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Violence, Infidelity, Grief, Suicide, Misogyny, and Kidnapping
Minor: War
katievallin's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Pregnancy, Forced institutionalization, Domestic abuse, Grief, Sexism, Violence, Murder, Kidnapping, Misogyny, Death, Physical abuse, Stalking, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Alcohol, Child abuse, and Alcoholism
Minor: Infidelity, War, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual content, Medical content, Cursing, Death of parent, and Suicide
hannahcstocks's review against another edition
- 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: Confinement, Forced institutionalization, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Trafficking, Death, Grief, Infidelity, Kidnapping, Misogyny, Murder, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Toxic relationship, Violence, Gaslighting, War, Death of parent, Deportation, Domestic abuse, Medical trauma, Dysphoria, and Emotional abuse
talyahonor23's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Graphic: Child death, Forced institutionalization, Infidelity, Murder, Alcoholism, Gaslighting, Pregnancy, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Grief, and Toxic relationship