Reviews

Expectation by Anna Hope

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salmonator's review against another edition

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reflective slow-paced

2.5

karrative's review

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reflective 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? It's complicated

4.0

As a study of friendship, I found this at best lacklustre, at worst actively problematic (the vilification of the only childless character) BUT upon seeing that all the characters draw from author's biography, I came up with an interpretation of the book which really did resonate with me. In particular, I really like the idea that the three characters represents differents needs, desires and ideas for oneself, of a single, conflifected person. This would, to me, explain why the characters keep wanting what others have, comparing etc. As actual, adult women, sharing a long friendship, I could not believe it would be filled with this much jealousy, bitterness and sometimes just being so mean to each other. Only for this, I see it as a four star.
In terms of the structure, the book really picks up after Nathan cheats with Lissa, plot-wise. But, again seeing this a something an actual friend is doing - what the fuck??? There are some quite annoyign cliches in the book as well, like the perfectionist struggling with fertility. Obvs, eh. And am quite annoyed at the presentation of Hannah and Cate. I can only imagine what a tragedy it must be to feel unable to support your friend in her newborn stage because all her nightmares are your dreams, but the characters do not seem to be aware of the gravity of this difficulty? They are simply content with showing up in either half-arsed or simply painful/shitty ways (just take the pills and shut up Cate, what???). The ending in particluar is quite annoying there as Lissa feels left out as the only childless one and also that after the time jump seeminly everything just sorted itself out for Hannah when it seems quite implausible? Of the smaller plotlines, the relatinioshp between Lissa and her mother was very interesting and thoughout-provoking.
I think this would be a really good one to read for a book club.