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antjerook's review against another edition
4.0
After I finished this book I have two opinions on it. I know, the story, or rather the stories are really far fetched and far from rality, but the characters and their feelings and expressions are so very pleasant, I can't help loving this book.
hungrykittensreading's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
sandraandthecity's review against another edition
3.0
I read this for my Queer book club and initially I found the beginning rather boring but as I read on I started to really enjoy the story and get engrossed in it. The story is about the gift of a family holiday gone very wrong. The trip awakens old, painful memories and bursts open new, startling secrets. Love, family dysfunction and relationships all rolled into one. It jumps back and forth between the past and the present with quite a few interesting twists to it. The protagonist, Will, is gay, just turned 40 and coasting through life on auto pilot. He observes but never really participates in life. This trip to Cornwall with his family shakes him out of his waking slumber and calls into question his past and current life. It's well written and once you get past the first few chapters, it picks up and gets very good. I especially like the time shifting between the past and present because it all comes together well at the end.
heffalumpwoozle's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
snoakes7001's review against another edition
5.0
Patrick Gale's books are brilliant. This one feels a bit personal too - there's more than a bit of autobiographical detail in Julian's character. Believable characters, two time frames and a ton of plot. Highly Recommended.
gmco's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-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
4.0
adarossiwrites's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-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
3.75
jeanetterenee's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
schopflin's review against another edition
4.0
Compelling and beautifully written, I loved this book. I wouldn't put it in the same class as 'Notes from an Exhibition' which to me is a masterpiece, but it's still highly recommended.
jenray's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0