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4.16 AVERAGE
4.16 AVERAGE
Wow - what a heavy book. At times it felt so dark and I just wanted to shake Martha, but ultimately that was what I loved about it. What a refreshing (and realistic) take on mental illness and how it impacts everyone around you.
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
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
This didn't work for me. While sections, especially early on, were emotional and well described, it got more problematic the further I read. Characters fell flat, often with a clear trauma/trait attached to that particular character, and for me the rather 'simple solution' to all relationships that was presented felt very in the tone of Sex and the City-esque writing. It took away from the complexity and severity of mental health issues I felt the author tried to convey. Moreover, on several occations I found myself frowning at certain descriptive choices. I think that while this book may work for many (as the rating clearly suggests), it may be triggering and frustrating for others who either struggle themselves or as a loved one to someone with diagnoses touched upon in this story (e.g. depression, alcoholism, suicid thoughts) so I would be careful going into it if this is something that worries you.
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-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
dark
slow-paced
I wish I had read this in as few sittings as possible; by the time I had reached the middle (at which point I just fell in love with story) I didn’t like having to tear myself away because I hadn’t given myself enough time.
It’s brilliant, funny, heart wrenching and relatable on a deeply personal level.
I have seen comparisons to the show Fleabag and I agree that this book does complement the show and vice versa.
It’s brilliant, funny, heart wrenching and relatable on a deeply personal level.
I have seen comparisons to the show Fleabag and I agree that this book does complement the show and vice versa.
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I think I picked this book up at exactly the right time. I found bits charming and funny and some bits absolutely heart splitting. I didn’t mind about the undisclosed mental illness discourse, I think that’s a clever way to navigate such a complex subject and refrains readers from diagnosing themselves.
What I did have an issue with was as soon as Martha was medicated, she realised her true ‘purpose’ in life was that she wanted a baby all along. A woman reduced back to her primal form, it made me feel uncomfortable as someone in their 30s who struggles with mental health and does not want children. Was the author insinuating that if I got well I would then want a baby? It just didn’t sit right.
Martha as a character had a lot of plot potential and I feel her ending was just a fade out.
What I did have an issue with was as soon as Martha was medicated, she realised her true ‘purpose’ in life was that she wanted a baby all along. A woman reduced back to her primal form, it made me feel uncomfortable as someone in their 30s who struggles with mental health and does not want children. Was the author insinuating that if I got well I would then want a baby? It just didn’t sit right.
Martha as a character had a lot of plot potential and I feel her ending was just a fade out.
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Really hard to get through 70% of this. I heard the writing style compared to Fleabag but I think the humor doesnt come across for me in the written word. However, the last 30% really redeemed it. Mostly accurate depiction of mental illness and associated treatment, although of course, this is just one character's account. Mainly depressing read about life and love.
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes