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maxinenunez's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
cecilialau_'s review against another edition
4.5
Bernardine Evaristo does it again (my second read so far). She is just so solid and her prose is masterful, it seems completely effortless for her to write such a work of art.
I fully admire her writing style, and the characters come to life so vividly and effectively.
And who can forget the distinct and accomplished voice of mr. Barrington Jedidiah Walker.
I fully admire her writing style, and the characters come to life so vividly and effectively.
And who can forget the distinct and accomplished voice of mr. Barrington Jedidiah Walker.
ellielills's review against another edition
4.5
everyone is a shithead š and yet i rooted for all š¶āš«ļø
acaprice20's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- 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
Wow, this book was amazing! It came recommended but seemed out of step with my typical reads. Iām so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone because this was so worth it. Every single character was full-bodied, complex, and realistic. I can only describe the story as a five course meal where every dish is dynamic in its own right. I will definitely be reading more books by this fabulous author.
pawswithabook's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- 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
Married, with grown up daughters and a teenage grandson, seventy four year old Antiguan born Barrington Jedidiah Walker, Barry, for the past 60 years, has been in a secret relationship with the love of his life, Morris.
I adore Bernadine Evaristoās writing, and this book is another triumph as she brings life to her characters by adopting their style and language.
The characters are so real and flawed, but oh so lovableā¦ so vibrant they dance from the pages. I felt like I was experiencing life with them, and absolutely fell in love with Morris myself.
This is a book about complicated families, about the fear that prejudice causes, about the joy and sadness love can bring, about identity and belonging. It has serious points of reflection but the writing is full of energy, with an uplifting bounce and flows beautifully.
I LOVED this book and cannot wait to see the characters brought to life in the BBC adaptation. Iām not sure of the date but it canāt come soon enough!
darceybm's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
oxnard_montalvo's review against another edition
Lol. So I picked this up thinking it was going to be a lighthearted comedy feat. the sexcapades of some cheeky scoundrel, but.
It kind of is about that: the scoundrel is certainly cheeky, and since we are getting the story from his POV, all the damage he causes is minimised and rationalised away, which makes for fascinating reading. Barry is a great voice, his turns of phrase and endless charm (as he sees himself) is fun to read. But then, under the surface of that, the lies. The emotional, psychological fallout of his decisions and choices, and my sympathy for his situation rapidly diminished as I read on.
Loved how Evaristo included the stream of consciousness chapters from his wife's POV. Her bewilderment and hurt regarding her husband's behaviour, his lack of affection was heartbreaking. I found myself actively hoping that she'd go out and have an affair of her own, not just to even the score, but so she got to experience genuine LOVE at some point. And things are tied up neatly(ish) in a way that is gratifying if still bittersweet.
It kind of is about that: the scoundrel is certainly cheeky, and since we are getting the story from his POV, all the damage he causes is minimised and rationalised away, which makes for fascinating reading. Barry is a great voice, his turns of phrase and endless charm (as he sees himself) is fun to read. But then, under the surface of that, the lies. The emotional, psychological fallout of his decisions and choices, and my sympathy for his situation rapidly diminished as I read on.
Loved how Evaristo included the stream of consciousness chapters from his wife's POV. Her bewilderment and hurt regarding her husband's behaviour, his lack of affection was heartbreaking. I found myself actively hoping that she'd go out and have an affair of her own, not just to even the score, but so she got to experience genuine LOVE at some point. And things are tied up neatly(ish) in a way that is gratifying if still bittersweet.
boekenalsontbijt's review against another edition
challenging
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75