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annorabrady's review against another edition
- 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
2.5
I wish the story had focused more on Eliza. Her part of the story was the most compelling by far.
Caroline learned almost nothing from her "research" that lent itself to her situation. And she didn't even intend to hurt her husband. If he hadn't attempted to force her to stay married to him by way of poisoning himself (a move that he also intended to use as means to frame her for his death should he not live), nothing about her story would have been different despite the attempt at drawing a parallel between the various stories.
Also, on the bit about him poisoning himself. Are we really supposed to believe that her husband's history of toxic behaviors was limited to "being pragmatic and convincing her to give up her dreams until the right time" and then cheating on her? One doesn't go from infidelity and "risk aversion" to extreme manipulation via self harm and attempts at suicide without there being other attempts at similar methods of control. That level of escalation, especially after 10 years of marriage and however long of dating is unrealistic. Abusers use tactics they know are likely to work based on past acceptance of similar behaviors.
Also also am I really supposed to believe that someone who goes so far as to poison themself as an act of manipulation is going to just accept that it didn't work and leave calmly? Someone willing to go that far is someone who is dangerous. The kind of dangerous where the person leaving shouldn't be alone with their abuser. At all.
To have that storyline end with a hug and understanding is alarming. This is the kind of storyline that could encourage an abuse victim to stay in an abusive relationship because "well it's not always bad." Or, worse, could encourage someone to attempt a similar "conscious uncoupling" with someone who could seriously hurt them.
Graphic: Abortion, Sexual assault, Infidelity, Murder, Grief, Suicide attempt, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Infertility, Miscarriage, Sexual violence, and Suicidal thoughts
suchallie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Graphic: Miscarriage, Suicidal thoughts, Death, Death of parent, Grief, Chronic illness, Murder, Drug use, Medical content, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Abortion, Child death, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Blood
Specific trigger content re: abortion/miscarriage/pregnancy:theimposter's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Death of parent, Blood, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Death, Domestic abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Miscarriage, Pedophilia, Murder, and Grief
phoenixlovesbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Suicide, Infidelity, Murder, Death, Sexual assault, Suicide attempt, Miscarriage, and Death of parent
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Pregnancy, Violence, Vomit, and Grief
taliatalksbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Graphic: Mental illness, Infidelity, Incest, Suicide, Sexual harassment, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Pregnancy, Murder, Miscarriage, Infertility, Gore, Death, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Sexism, Classism, Abortion, and Grief
lora_g's review against another edition
4.0
I really loved the representation of female friendships throughout this book. The dynamics between Nella and Eliza as well as Caroline and Gaynor were spectacular. I feel like anyone who has ever had a relationship with a toxic and/or dysfunctional man can relate to one of more of the women in this story. Penner does a great job at transporting her reader to an immersive experience in London. Although there were a few parts that I felt were a little repetitive, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a historical fiction with a little bit of fantasy and some great female main characters.
Moderate: Infidelity and Miscarriage
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Sexual assault
huntress's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
1.0
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Sexism, Pedophilia, Suicide attempt, Death, Adult/minor relationship, Miscarriage, Blood, Alcoholism, Alcohol, Murder, Vomit, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual assault, Pregnancy, Misogyny, Infidelity, Infertility, Grief, Medical content, Abortion, and Death of parent
lyfeistrip's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Minor: Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Murder, Mental illness, Grief, Emotional abuse, Abortion, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Pedophilia, Sexual harassment, Infertility, Incest, Domestic abuse, Child death, Cancer, Miscarriage, Medical trauma, Infidelity, Vomit, Terminal illness, Suicidal thoughts, Sexism, and Death
ashley_mrose530's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
I think I'm just too gay for this. The whole thing is that women are upset with men for their wrong-doings but the author tried so hard to make Caroline go back and forth about what she was going to do about her husband's infidelity: did she still want to be with him, did she still love him, etc. and all I could think is "just leave him!" He was an absolute bastard especially when
On another note, I support women's rights, but more importantly I support women's wrongs! Nella and Eliza's story was arguably the most compelling part of this book. Poor Eliza went through so much at such a young age but I'm so glad that her mistress had her back and was willing to kill her husband in order to protect Eliza.
And Nella
So yeah, I liked the premise of this story but the execution could have used a little more work I think.
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Infertility, Infidelity, Miscarriage, and Sexual assault
heatherjchin's review against another edition
- 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? No
3.75
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Murder, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Sexual harassment, Vomit, and Sexual assault