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amavia91's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
Unfortunately, my experience of this book is clouded by my desires being out of alignment with most current historical fiction releases. This story of two women with a decades long friendship and a shattering secret that leads to distance until a sudden confrontation---is very present in current releases, and while there is nothing wrong with a common storyline, I am a bit burnt out by this one specifically. I was reassured that this was a unique approach with references to Western standoffs and a conversational tension. The actual experience of reading it was quite different from my perspective: the story became more tell than show as it went on, those details were surface level (the book is quite short), and ultimately I couldn't connect with any of the character voices. While I kept reading because the writing was still sufficient to keep interest, I found myself barely immersed, almost skimming, and the book was over right at the moment I considered marking it as DNF. I left the book struggling to remember details that I could write here. Nevertheless, this book may be the right fit for those who enjoy these books around friendships that span decades and emotional/historical/class divides.
fairykind's review
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
laurrecommends's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-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
2.25
hollysar's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
jrandazzo1's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
slaterj's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity and Infertility
Minor: Chronic illness and Death
sadpear's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Luxurious in a way that much literary fiction does not allow itself to be, this book gives a finely textured portrait of friendship and a vanishing world. As it slips from past to present, it mimics the quality of memory and reverie.
tatianasv's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
carolinamoon's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
erosencrantz's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75