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kaylyncatherine's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A tad underwhelming and static. The stories toward the end packed the most punch, but it felt like a process to get there.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness and Adult/minor relationship
Minor: Sexual assault and Addiction
f_amiliar_happine_ss's review against another edition
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
10 short stories about masculinity and interactions with men.
The first story had me hooked; living a thankless life as a dad with adult kids. I've seen a few books discussing how thankless parenting is for mothers, especially during the pandemic when mothers were expected to take care of the children, house, finances, etc. It was interesting to read this from the fathers perspective, though every chapter touches on different topics.
Each chapter was a brisk read, just enough written to explain the situation and its impact, simple and swift. Unique characters each navigating a complicated and/or emotional situation.
Would've been a five star but this collection left me feeling... something. Lackluster? Idk, maybe that's just how short story collections go. I also read The Girls by this author, which I rated four stars too, so maybe Emma Cline is just a four star author for me, who knows.
Would recommend to those diversifying their reading taste, I'm looking forward to picking up more short story collections and books describing turmoil within the human experience.
The first story had me hooked; living a thankless life as a dad with adult kids. I've seen a few books discussing how thankless parenting is for mothers, especially during the pandemic when mothers were expected to take care of the children, house, finances, etc. It was interesting to read this from the fathers perspective, though every chapter touches on different topics.
Each chapter was a brisk read, just enough written to explain the situation and its impact, simple and swift. Unique characters each navigating a complicated and/or emotional situation.
Would've been a five star but this collection left me feeling... something. Lackluster? Idk, maybe that's just how short story collections go. I also read The Girls by this author, which I rated four stars too, so maybe Emma Cline is just a four star author for me, who knows.
Would recommend to those diversifying their reading taste, I'm looking forward to picking up more short story collections and books describing turmoil within the human experience.
Content Warnings
Minor: Infidelity and Addiction
memegi's review against another edition
dark
reflective
medium-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
3.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Addiction, and Panic attacks/disorders
melissathejan's review against another edition
tense
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
I don't usually get into short stories... A lot of the stories were pretty similar in theme/content but Emma Cline's intense writing style kept me interested. "Marion" was my favorite.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Drug abuse, Addiction, and Child abuse
saraoona's review
dark
reflective
sad
medium-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
1.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexism, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Drug abuse, Drug use, and Infidelity
Minor: Mental illness, Addiction, and Alcoholism
kathalura's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Misogyny, Rape, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
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