Scan barcode
Reviews tagging 'Panic attacks/disorders'
Love at a Funeral and Other Awkward Conversations by Sophie Andrews
4 reviews
aglimpseinto's review
challenging
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
An unusual take in this book. I’m not unfamiliar to characters experiencing grief, but I’m pretty sure that it’s the first book that I have read that approaches death from a sibling perspective. While a heavy topic, this book explored different situations, showcases the multiple ways that grief can be expressed. It’s was a remarkable quick and somewhat easy read in spite of its topic, it has a smooth pace and it does leave you wanting you to know what else will happen next.
That said, while I enjoyed reading it, and I do recommend it for the approachable way that it discusses the death of siblings, the book didn’t wow me and most likely it won’t be a book that I will reach for a reread at this point in time.
That said, while I enjoyed reading it, and I do recommend it for the approachable way that it discusses the death of siblings, the book didn’t wow me and most likely it won’t be a book that I will reach for a reread at this point in time.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, and Alcoholism
Minor: Infidelity
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
dlrosebyh's review
emotional
hopeful
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
4.5
First of all, thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a free e-ARC of Love at a Funeral and Other Awkward Conversations in exchange of an honest review.
After reading so many fantasy novels this month, I was desperate for a romance novel, and this book really hit me to the bone.
After her brother passed away, Cassandra's story is followed. Despite being promoted as a romance book, this is actually much more than that. Honestly, the romance part doesn’t even take half of the book— which if you know me, I love my romance subplots.
This novel got me feeling all of the emotions at once. One second I will be crying, my heart sunken, but the next second, I will be giggling because of Vince.
All my life, I've identified with a number of characters, although usually exclusively in fantasy or science fiction literature. I was taken aback by this book since it seemed as though Sophie Andrews had written my entire life narrative. Reviewers have noted that Cassandra has moments of being unlikeable, but who doesn't have moments of unlikeability when grief strikes?
Vince was simply dreamy. He really is my ideal man. I adore how perceptive and compassionate he was. Most of all, I find it unbelievable that I'm falling for a funeral director.
This book deftly examines grief, and you can tell that the author took great care to accurately convey the experience. The guilt of survivors, the psychological conflicts (like Cass's reactions and those of her mother and father), and the long-term effects may all be felt. However, this work also exudes optimism. As you observe, Cass gradually begins to embrace everything, and you cannot shut yourself up for the rest of your life.
If you are someone who has never moved on from anything, this is a perfect book for you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death
Moderate: Alcoholism
Minor: Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, and Misogyny
laurenabayne's review
emotional
reflective
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
4.25
Don't let the cute cover fool you: this is a deeply emotional and poignant look at grief.
We are thrown into it at the very start, with police showing up at Cass's door: her beloved older brother collapsed and was found dead. Soon the rest of her family is thrown into disarray: her mom numbs herself with pills, her dad grows violent and leaves the house for days at a time, and Cass tries to keep everything together. With the help of Vince, the town funeral director and Cass's childhood crush, she navigates her grief and how to get through a life without the one who held them together.
There were so many positives to this story. It shows different facets of grief, including how it changes over time, especially how it can cause mourners to feel guilty about feeling happy. It stresses the importance of getting help and not facing things alone, and it never shames Cass for being emotionally unstable and for floating through life. I also loved how it did not portray Ray to be a perfect person; it talks a lot about martyrdom after death and how we tend to only remember the positives, even though Ray was not necessarily a good person. The uniqueness of sibling relationships is explored. The inclusion of Instagram posts is particularly strong, a unique spin on epistolary storytelling.
Honestly, the only thing that knocked this down a star for me is the romance itself. A lot of the development in their relationship was glossed over, and the ending was pretty rushed. He was an absolute gem and I wish I could have seen more of him. If this is being advertised as a romance, and not as a coming-of-age or meditation on loss, then give me some more romance!! Especially when the date and spice scenes are that good :)
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. I loved this one!
We are thrown into it at the very start, with police showing up at Cass's door: her beloved older brother collapsed and was found dead. Soon the rest of her family is thrown into disarray: her mom numbs herself with pills, her dad grows violent and leaves the house for days at a time, and Cass tries to keep everything together. With the help of Vince, the town funeral director and Cass's childhood crush, she navigates her grief and how to get through a life without the one who held them together.
There were so many positives to this story. It shows different facets of grief, including how it changes over time, especially how it can cause mourners to feel guilty about feeling happy. It stresses the importance of getting help and not facing things alone, and it never shames Cass for being emotionally unstable and for floating through life. I also loved how it did not portray Ray to be a perfect person; it talks a lot about martyrdom after death and how we tend to only remember the positives, even though Ray was not necessarily a good person. The uniqueness of sibling relationships is explored. The inclusion of Instagram posts is particularly strong, a unique spin on epistolary storytelling.
Honestly, the only thing that knocked this down a star for me is the romance itself. A lot of the development in their relationship was glossed over, and the ending was pretty rushed. He was an absolute gem and I wish I could have seen more of him. If this is being advertised as a romance, and not as a coming-of-age or meditation on loss, then give me some more romance!! Especially when the date and spice scenes are that good :)
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. I loved this one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death
Minor: Infidelity, Misogyny, and Panic attacks/disorders
More...