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stuckinatimeloop's review against another edition
4.0
only read this book if you want pain for no reason. beautiful writing style.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Death, Mental illness, Medical content, Domestic abuse, and Child abuse
Moderate: Blood
Minor: War
oceanebooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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
4.75
Okay, I don't think I can write a lot without spoiling anything so I'll try to keep this review pretty short.
First of all: The cover alone is a piece of art. It's different from the self-published edition but I think they both look really good.
Then, secondly: The language. It was very poetic, and that to an extend that even for me it felt like a bit too much. There were just a few passages where even I thought this metaphor was a bit unneccessary. Keep in mind though, things like that are entirely subjective (just like the whole review itself, lol) and this is Lancali's distinctive narrative style. And once you get used to it you really like it. At least I did.
At the same time I still see the criticism. Scamming through a few other reviews I either found people bawling their eyes out and throwing 5 stars after this book - or they didn't give it more than a 2.5 which, in my opinion is valid, it's people's opinion and it's normal to disagree. Most of them were complaining about how the author romanticizes illnesses (both physical and mental) in her story.
I don't think she does. Yes, one can get that impression because of her language style (see what I wrote before), but with no means does she intend to make something as cruel as pain and disease look that way.
Especially knowing why she wrote this novel, I see it in a different way. For context: Lancali had a friend, named Sam (like the narrator, so much can I say), who she got to know in hospital when she was ill herself. They wanted to write a book together, but Sam died when she had just finished the first few chapters. So, there's the personal aspect to it that in my opinion doesn't allow anyone to give this book a rating lower than 4. But of course, my point of view.
First of all: The cover alone is a piece of art. It's different from the self-published edition but I think they both look really good.
Then, secondly: The language. It was very poetic, and that to an extend that even for me it felt like a bit too much. There were just a few passages where even I thought this metaphor was a bit unneccessary. Keep in mind though, things like that are entirely subjective (just like the whole review itself, lol) and this is Lancali's distinctive narrative style. And once you get used to it you really like it. At least I did.
At the same time I still see the criticism. Scamming through a few other reviews I either found people bawling their eyes out and throwing 5 stars after this book - or they didn't give it more than a 2.5 which, in my opinion is valid, it's people's opinion and it's normal to disagree. Most of them were complaining about how the author romanticizes illnesses (both physical and mental) in her story.
I don't think she does. Yes, one can get that impression because of her language style (see what I wrote before), but with no means does she intend to make something as cruel as pain and disease look that way.
Especially knowing why she wrote this novel, I see it in a different way. For context: Lancali had a friend, named Sam (like the narrator, so much can I say), who she got to know in hospital when she was ill herself. They wanted to write a book together, but Sam died when she had just finished the first few chapters. So, there's the personal aspect to it that in my opinion doesn't allow anyone to give this book a rating lower than 4. But of course, my point of view.
Now finally - the plot. There isn't much that can't be said without telling too much so I'm only going to say this: Heartbreaking. Gut-wrenching. Makes you furious at the (main) characters. Makes you confused at their actions. You will feel a lot, you will maybe cry a lot (depending on your personality) and also - you just want to jump into the story and cause some miracles to happen so everyone can have their happy ending. Of course they don't, I think I knew that long before I started reading. But still, you want these fictional characters to survive, to live, to be healthy. Of course they won't, that's the whole point of the book. But something inside me broke the moment my two favourite characters died (and also: why did they have to die first??? Just. Not. Fair.).
Lancali, you did a great job in shattering my heart to pieces. Thank you for your service.
This is one of the saddest yet most beautiful books I've ever read. It'll stay in my mind for a long time, just as the characters will. And also: The representation: chef's kiss.
Some very much needed male representation of an eating disorder (and its causes), and also depression and self harm. But also physical illnesses. Besides that, the queer representation went beyond gay or lesbian or bi to pan, non-binary and also fluid. THANK YOU. (keep in mind though, that's not the main focus of the book.)
I think that's it. I'll go and grieve a little more now. (I'm not crying you are!)
Lancali, you did a great job in shattering my heart to pieces. Thank you for your service.
This is one of the saddest yet most beautiful books I've ever read. It'll stay in my mind for a long time, just as the characters will. And also: The representation: chef's kiss.
Some very much needed male representation of an eating disorder (and its causes), and also depression and self harm. But also physical illnesses. Besides that, the queer representation went beyond gay or lesbian or bi to pan, non-binary and also fluid. THANK YOU. (keep in mind though, that's not the main focus of the book.)
I think that's it. I'll go and grieve a little more now. (I'm not crying you are!)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Mental illness, Suicide, Terminal illness, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Bullying, and Eating disorder
Moderate: Death of parent, Medical content, War, Blood, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Homophobia, and Vomit
bogentusiast's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Eating disorder, and Chronic illness
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Mental illness, Suicide attempt, Self harm, and Suicide
Minor: War and Rape
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