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philippakmoore's review
4.0
Fiona Robyn never fails to create a world that draws you in. This is a gentle yet shrewdly constructed and vivid story, written with wisdom and compassion, tinged with sadness and humour. There is something so real about everything she does, that gets right to the heart.
upgirlcd's review
4.0
What an unexpected story! I knew this would be a story of character development, but had no idea it would be an in-depth journey of discovery/depression for Joe, the main character! It was a really good book. Slow at times. I was unsure of where it was going at times. However, the last 1/3 of the book really took the reader into Joe's real life; into Joe's real head/and struggles with his lifelong depression. Some reviewers wrote they thought Joe may have Aspberger's syndrome. I think that was left to the reader--he was a unique fellow for sure; always muddled & aloof. That was part of his charm. Really different from the books I am accustomed to reading--I am glad I chose this book.
librarianna81's review
3.0
Wanted to give this 3.5 stars, really.
Perhaps it was intentional because of the nature of Joe's personality disorders, but I found it very, very difficult to identify with or feel much for him, or care much about what happened. I did love Nel! And I found the story to be intriguing, although at the same time, the main story point was kind of obvious to me from the start, and I just read waiting for the reveal (and maybe to learn if there was anything more to it, a bigger secret). I felt like I loved and hated alternating characters - loved Willem, hated Emmie. I guess I am kind of glad it didn't turn into a traditional romance, at least. The book had some great moments, and was written quite well. One of my favorite things was when Joe self-analyzed and realized things like "they could only drive him mad with his permission." (It makes more sense in the context, but it was an important moment for me.) I think there are some wonderful truths in this book and some beautiful imagery, but I wanted more from this book and I think it fell a little short. I do hope to see more from this author, though! I look forward to her future endeavors.
Perhaps it was intentional because of the nature of Joe's personality disorders, but I found it very, very difficult to identify with or feel much for him, or care much about what happened. I did love Nel! And I found the story to be intriguing, although at the same time, the main story point was kind of obvious to me from the start, and I just read waiting for the reveal (and maybe to learn if there was anything more to it, a bigger secret). I felt like I loved and hated alternating characters - loved Willem, hated Emmie. I guess I am kind of glad it didn't turn into a traditional romance, at least. The book had some great moments, and was written quite well. One of my favorite things was when Joe self-analyzed and realized things like "they could only drive him mad with his permission." (It makes more sense in the context, but it was an important moment for me.) I think there are some wonderful truths in this book and some beautiful imagery, but I wanted more from this book and I think it fell a little short. I do hope to see more from this author, though! I look forward to her future endeavors.
katie_king's review
2.0
A rather depressing book about depression, and rather harrowing read at times. I quite resent that the most colourful and interesting character is killed off halfway through the book, but the author has her reasons.
helljay's review
3.0
Not at all my usual kind of read, I only embarked upon this because I follow the author's Writing Our Way Home blog and she was kindly offering it as a free download when it was first published. I honestly didn't think I was going to enjoy it, but despite all my reservations by the time I reached the end I realised I had been completely drawn in without realising it. The subject matter is still not my cup of coffee, but the thoughtful and descriptive story-telling won me over. In conclusion, it was an unexpected pleasure.
stefphoenix's review
4.0
despite guessing what would happen I loved the book as it is so beautifully written
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