Reviews tagging 'Alcoholism'

La figlia unica by Guadalupe Nettel

5 reviews

rgs's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

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dizzzybrook's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Still Born had been on my shelf for quite a long time prior to picking it up last night and staying up much too late to finish it in one sitting. I really loved how this book was paced, switching back and forth between Laura and Adina's stories, both not only demonstrating two very complex sides of motherhood but also the ways in which motherhood inherently affects everyone around us. For a book of this size, I was impressed by how well Nettel was able to give these characters depth without spending tons and tons of pages convincing the reader to care. The chapters are short and relatively straight to the point but no nuance or empathy is lost. The only thing preventing this from being a full 5 stars for me is that the last quarter of the book felt a tad bit choppy and rushed. To an extent, there are a couple of points throughout where the commentary on motherhood felt slightly preachy, but I wouldn't say that it ever made me want to stop reading. Definitely one of my favorite reads of 2024 for sure. 
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amyford's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective sad 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

4.25

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madelinedalton's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

This book was so “me” and I gobbled it up. I’m 24 and do not want children, and I spend a lot of time thinking about how my life will change in my 30s when my friends have kids while I don’t. I felt so seen by Laura. Her relationship to motherhood and caring for children is exactly the same as mine. As I read, I constantly underlined quotes—not just about Laura, but about everything. Such a thought provoking and validating read!! 

I do wish we had gotten a bit more background on how Alina went from not wanting kids to wanting one so badly that she’d pursue any available fertility treatment. It felt a bit sudden, and I was curious how she arrived at that decision, but I feel like I never got that. Laura’s growing affection for Nicolás also felt underdeveloped. I also found the ending a bit jarring and unsatisfying. 

Overall, this was an excellent read and helped me get out of a reading slump!! 
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ironandsilver's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

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