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bluestarfish's review against another edition
challenging
dark
medium-paced
5.0
This was an unsettling and unflinching observation of Hen and Bridget and their relationship. The phantoms are in some ways Bridget's parents and the toxic environment they have created. Her father someone to be endured, ignored where possible, and escaped as soon as allowed. Her mother is more compelling and still involved in her life in the ways that could be with all the barriers of communication and differing expectations and realities. The repetitions and cycles of their relationship seem to never go anywhere new. The dialogue and the details make for a rich experience considering how short it is - so much conveyed in such short a time. Hen remains unscrutable to Bridget and the ending is haunting. This was such a rich book.
issywelsby's review against another edition
3.5
Not sure if I’ll pick anything else up by this author as the writing hasn’t really stuck with me but I thought this was a solid character study and a really affecting read
wiktoriapiet's review
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
dgreenster's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
“ nothing about Hen could ever be described as ordinary “ - If you are looking for a page turner or plot filled read then this isn’t for you rather it is a melancholy master class in “ show , don’t tell “ writing where characters are described in intimate detail , the prose drawing you into the complexity and sorrow of a maternal relationship .
cjgreatcoat's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
jennadoyle's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
2.5
Not bad just not good. I could tell there were parts that were supposed to be funny, but I just didn't find it that funny, just seemed like it was trying hard to be funny. At least it was short.
cookewitch's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Lots of the reviews for this call it funny, I get it but I just didn’t find it funny, just desperately sad in a way that really makes you think.
It charts relationships between a child and parents both when young and as an adult. I think all the main characters in this are pretty unpleasant but you sort of see why and how.
A bleak but brilliant read.
📖🥺📖
It charts relationships between a child and parents both when young and as an adult. I think all the main characters in this are pretty unpleasant but you sort of see why and how.
A bleak but brilliant read.
📖🥺📖
cerinr's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
k444's review
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A slow, insightful and satisfying read. Not much happens, and yet it still feels like it is a complete story. Made me think alot about family 🥰