Reviews

An Actual Life by Abigail Thomas

melissafirman's review

sad

• 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

silviat's review

slow-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

0.5

Worse book i have ever read

birdshootsbats's review

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

stlkatiek's review

reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No

2.5

This story dealt with a few months in the life of a young couple, parents of a one-year-old conceived during a one-night stand in the 1960s. At times this seemed dull and it times it seemed insightful (perhaps given current events and threats to reproductive rights?) It was...fine, but I wouldn't recommend it.

Read it because:
Picked it up at a used book sale forever ago.

malmow's review

2.0

The protagonist of this book drives me insane. Part of me can relate to her, and part of me thinks she's an idiot. Part of me thought the book was incredibly simplistic, and part of me thinks there is poignant, hidden meaning on every page. I hate Buddy, and I want to strangle Virginia for staying with him. However, I'm not buying the end.