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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
For some reason, this book really gripped me. An in-depth study of some (very) complicated romantic and familial relationships, and the intergenerational impacts that they can have. The characters all felt alive- they were flawed and complex and didn't always make the best decisions, but were incredibly human. The book was filled with hurt and big emotions and pain, but also with so much love. I also really enjoyed Lombardo's writing style. This isn't likely a book for everyone, the character studies went on for what I imagine some would say was too long, but it was a book for me.
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I enjoyed the writing and the narration (on Audible), but I had a hard time connecting with the characters in this. By the end, I was eager to listen to see how things turned out, and very surprised by something that comes in the last few pages. I guess I had hoped to see more come out of the friendship with Helen Russo - either more reflection on Julia's part about what she had learned from that friendship, or maybe even that she would pick it up later in life as Helen made it clear she would welcome that. On one hand, the friendship was instrumental to the story when Julia was a new mother, but then it was just an uncomfortable memory that didn't get a whole lot of attention in the present day. I'm eager to read other readers' reviews.
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Well written and held my attention at times. Brilliant descriptions of complex relationships and personal baggage and insecurities. Rating had to be lower due to about 150 too many pages and unnecessary plot lines that took too long to resolve.