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craftingcnage's review against another edition
2.0
plainly written and while the story was interesting enough, the development of characters fell flat.
ddeblieck_13's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
This book feels emotional, but it would be impossible to write a book about this topic without it being emotional. Unfortunately, I think the actual writing of this book was lackluster. Too often, character development happened off-page. Something like, "For so many years, Nora had been feeling X because of Y." It just seemed like lazy writing. Show me a scene and Nora's actions, and let me come to the conclusion about what she is feeling/why. Don't just say what the characters think/feel, but make it apparent through how they act/speak.
The breakdown of the marriage didn't feel quite as convincing as the latter half of the book. The last 150 pages (digital version) of this book seemed to be written at a higher level than the first 450. I thought they were good. Still some awkward lines/phrasing, but much less of the "character development" mentioned above.
Some of the characters (Bree) felt too much like someone with modern sensibilities dropped into the 1960s so we can feel good about our modern selves and how we have progressed as a society to allow women more freedom in their private/professional lives.
Teenage Paul was also not a super convincing character. Playing chicken with trains, stealing a car, smoking weed (and then going totally paranoid and letting his friends trash his house lol) all feel like stereotypical sad boi things but not what real, depressed teenage dudes do.
The breakdown of the marriage didn't feel quite as convincing as the latter half of the book. The last 150 pages (digital version) of this book seemed to be written at a higher level than the first 450. I thought they were good. Still some awkward lines/phrasing, but much less of the "character development" mentioned above.
Some of the characters (Bree) felt too much like someone with modern sensibilities dropped into the 1960s so we can feel good about our modern selves and how we have progressed as a society to allow women more freedom in their private/professional lives.
Teenage Paul was also not a super convincing character. Playing chicken with trains, stealing a car, smoking weed (and then going totally paranoid and letting his friends trash his house lol) all feel like stereotypical sad boi things but not what real, depressed teenage dudes do.
suzzeb22's review against another edition
3.0
This book interested me because of the premise of the daughter that the mother didn't know existed or at least, had passed away. But, unfortunately, even though Kim Edwards is a very capable writer her style is really not my cup of tea. I found the passages too descriptive in between the action and although I tend to shy away from plot driven novels I found this one slightly tedious with all the reflecting and reminiscing each character went through. Referring to the baby's hand as looking like a starfish no less than three times in the first few chapters got to be a bit much. I can see how this book appealed to readers but for me it was just so-so. I will say that I think she captured Phoebe very well and the issues which faced parents of children with Down's in the 1960's were well done. Might be a great choice for some readers.
cassixxlynn's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
rosed1977's review against another edition
5.0
This book was good from the start. I had a hard time putting it down and craved it every time I wasn't able to read it. I highly recommend it!
keen23's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this book a lot more than I expected to. It was an emotionally challenging read, not the fluff that I usually consume.
lori_vols's review against another edition
3.0
An endearing and intriguing story of two siblings, raised separately, after one sibling was sent away at birth having Down Syndrome. This story illustrates how decisions have the power to alter life’s course dramatically... and how those decisions have unintended impacts on those in the crossfire of a decision they knew nothing about.
mbpartlow's review against another edition
4.0
I guess I'm the last person on the planet to read this book. I'm enjoying it even more than I thought I would. It's a deeply moving book, although the characters probably have more than their fair share of angst, every one of them. It's sad to think that some people can allow so little happiness into their lives, no simple joy, no true openness with another human being.
jadajing's review against another edition
4.0
The writing was beautiful and the story interesting, but it touched some nerves and was difficult to read because of that.