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krheath's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcoholism, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Violence, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Cancer, Death of parent, and Infertility
raisingself's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-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
4.0
This book is an angsty and slightly heartbreaking love story told in the past and present over 20 years in England. It touches on a lot of tough subjects so trigger warning for:
- Parent loss
- Mental illness/Mood disorder
- S. Assault
- Child abuse
- Depictions of class and inequality
- Violence
- Infertility
All of the things are in this book but oddly it was not triggering. It was a slow burn storytelling of young people I'll equipped for life finding and loving each other. It is not a traditional romance novel, in that it feels too realistic. The main characters too flawed. The realities of life too difficult.
This a book that people will with like or hate. It slightly reminds me of a better version of Normal People by Sally Rooney, which I disliked but this for all of its intensity, sadness and slow inwinding, I did enjoy. The book ends with a dash of tender hoepfulness, which I appreciate.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Death of parent
Moderate: Sexual violence, Mental illness, Alcohol, Child abuse, Abandonment, Classism, Bullying, Addiction, Cursing, Toxic relationship, Suicide, Terminal illness, Rape, Pregnancy, and Murder
Minor: Drug use, Toxic friendship, Pedophilia, Infidelity, Self harm, Pandemic/Epidemic, and Infertility
korinnagarcia's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This story was gripping, poignant, and foreboding. It touches on a lot of heavy life subject matters that can be triggering and there are so many, for example; suicide, bomber, sexual assault, alcoholism, death of a parent, fertility issues, and manslaughter, just to name a few. I appreciate that the author handled these subjects with as much care and sensitivity as possible. This story is very character driven and non linear. I personally love non linear/dual timeline plots, I find them more immersive than linear plots. I loved this story and I instantly fell for Benjamin. I greatly sympathized with his character, he reminded me so much of Connell from Normal People. To me Clara was a bit unlikable but I found her state of ennui and her constant indulging in reminisce very relatable. This book had a lot of dark parts but were perfectly balanced with moments of beauty in the simplicity and realism of the characters.
I recommend to anyone who can stomach all the triggers, to fans of second chance romance, to fans of Normal People, and to those of you that relish in the heart wrenching stories, like I do. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
*Thank you so much to NetGalley, St. Martins Press, and of course Charlotte Rixon, for allowing me to read this E-ARC.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death of parent, Adult/minor relationship, Murder, Suicide, Child abuse, Cancer, Sexual assault, Grief, Rape, and Mental illness
lightltup's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Oh my god this book had me in a hold. I didn’t not look up from my kindle for hours.. The book follows the once lovers throughout the two decades in the past (leading up to their last communication) to the present where Carla tries to find Benjamin after a tragic incident at a football stadium. The first chapter had me hooked instantly. I was on the edge of my seat each 2022 timeline chapter. At first I thought that 2002 Carla was kinda clingy and toxic but she grew up a lot in 20 years and 2022 Carla is great in my opinion. The ending had me shocked in a way. I predicted some things that happened but they weren’t in the exact same way I predicted them so I didn’t mind that at all. It’s a book about love, regret, and possible second chances. Overall such an amazing book and it became a favorite of mine!
Thank you NetGalley and Charlotte Rixon for the opportunity to read this book in exchange of an honest review!
Thank you NetGalley and Charlotte Rixon for the opportunity to read this book in exchange of an honest review!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Violence and Alcoholism
Minor: Infidelity, Infertility, Child abuse, Self harm, and Abandonment
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