Reviews

This book left me with a few key observations:
- It felt unnecessarily long.
- It reminded me of "The Nightingale," though with less action.
- The author missed a significant opportunity by not addressing one character's sexual exploitation.
- Predictability in the storyline, like the inevitable pregnancy.
- The overwhelming focus on mundane human activities, such as cleaning and cooking.
- The abrupt disappearance of a character without sufficient exploration.

My main concern lies in the book's potential. It touches on deep, complex issues, yet the author barely delves into them. Instead, about 95% of the book is dedicated to the most mundane aspects of life – cooking, doing laundry, and long walks to school. What's missing is an exploration of Elsa's heart condition and the impact it had on her, the trauma that marked her life, her abandonment issues, and the dynamics between Elsa and Loreta as mother and daughter. Additionally, the book doesn't adequately address what happens to Rafe after he leaves his family, the abandonment issues faced by Loreta and Ants at school, the loss of a child, and the loss of innocence. There are so many vital yet unexplored themes that the book ends up feeling unnecessarily long and empty.

Learning that the mother/daughter relationship between Elsa and Loreta was a last-minute decision, and that they were initially meant to be sisters-in-law, provides some insight into why these essential topics were overlooked, and their relationship felt forced.

kelsha's review against another edition

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challenging emotional informative inspiring sad 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? Yes

5.0

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