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Reviews tagging 'Drug use'
Love at a Funeral and Other Awkward Conversations by Sophie Andrews
1 review
wandering_seal's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I listened to an advance copy of this - it was a really good listening experience, Rachanee Lumayno did a great job managing all the different characters. It took me a moment to get my head around when I was listening to an Instagram post but it in no way got in the way of my enjoyment of the story.
I feel like this book is maybe more romantic fiction than a romance novel? The romance was well told, and heartfelt, and Vince is definitely a keeper. But the main story here is about grief, and the different ways a family get (or do not get) through it. I'm not sure I've ever read a book that focused on the death of an adult sibling. Sophie Andrews told the story in a way that was both respectful and very, very sad. Cassie is put through the wringer sorting out the fallout of the death of her brother - her parents aren't coping, and her already falling apart life becomes an increasing mess. The only thing holding her together is her brother's school friend, a funeral director who is more than willing to support her through the process. This is where the romance lies, a slow slow burn as Cassie navigates feeling emotions for others when her brother is dead. There is some spice, but again its not the central focus. Cassie has a lot to do to get her life back on track. I appreciated that - it made the romance feel more realistic - but towards the end I think I would have enjoyed a bit more of the two of them together.
I feel like this book is maybe more romantic fiction than a romance novel? The romance was well told, and heartfelt, and Vince is definitely a keeper. But the main story here is about grief, and the different ways a family get (or do not get) through it. I'm not sure I've ever read a book that focused on the death of an adult sibling. Sophie Andrews told the story in a way that was both respectful and very, very sad. Cassie is put through the wringer sorting out the fallout of the death of her brother - her parents aren't coping, and her already falling apart life becomes an increasing mess. The only thing holding her together is her brother's school friend, a funeral director who is more than willing to support her through the process. This is where the romance lies, a slow slow burn as Cassie navigates feeling emotions for others when her brother is dead. There is some spice, but again its not the central focus. Cassie has a lot to do to get her life back on track. I appreciated that - it made the romance feel more realistic - but towards the end I think I would have enjoyed a bit more of the two of them together.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Death, Drug use, and Alcoholism
Minor: Medical content and Panic attacks/disorders
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