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lushybug's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
theo_rhi's review against another edition
1.0
DNF at 50%. Boring and repetitive story. Feels like a rough draft with no editing.
sparklethenpop's review against another edition
4.0
This book was lyrical and a moving story about a family. The plot line about whether the car accident was really an accident was not necessary though.
allysonbogie's review against another edition
5.0
So excited for this YA novel from an author I love. She weaves, loss, love, family, art, and growing up all together into a gorgeous and heartbreaking story.
hswhite's review against another edition
3.0
This book would have been much more effective at 200 pages rather than 300. The book is about Giselle coming to terms with her twin, Isabelle’s, death. There are about 30 pages of half-assed “mystery” thrown in presumably to increase tension and plot, but it only served to confuse and distract the reader from the book’s purpose. To be fair, the vast majority of scenes in this book lacked tension and failed to grip me, so it’s hard to fault this strategy (perhaps recommended by an editor?). However, it’s clear Danticat did not fully commit to the secondary plot line, and it came out feeling forced and unnecessary.
I had to force myself through to the end, but the last 75 or so pages had some of the book’s best and most lyrical writing, so I’m glad I soldiered through. Stories that eulogize can be effective, but I do think that readers are more tolerant of writing that lacks forward momentum and clear plot when it comes in a shorter, tighter package and is clearer in its purpose from the get-go.
2.5 stars but rounding up
I had to force myself through to the end, but the last 75 or so pages had some of the book’s best and most lyrical writing, so I’m glad I soldiered through. Stories that eulogize can be effective, but I do think that readers are more tolerant of writing that lacks forward momentum and clear plot when it comes in a shorter, tighter package and is clearer in its purpose from the get-go.
2.5 stars but rounding up
sarahbethb's review against another edition
3.0
Maybe it’s just me but there seems to be no plot? Not much happens and it’s a slow pace. Which benefit of the doubt here that I don’t usually like books like this.
lisathepoetlibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
An eloquent story of love and grief. A comfort for those who are grieving and a must read if you are seeking to foster empathy for someone you know who is grieving. I feel more human, more able to love, even in darkness, after experiencing this story.
sducharme's review against another edition
2.0
I was disappointed in this realistic fiction YA novel about twin sisters who suffer terribly in a car accident. I didn't care about the characters much and references to the characters' (and author's own) Haitian-American background were more distracting than illuminating. I found myself disbelieving of various actions and emotions throughout the story.
elishaffer29's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
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? No
4.5
This book was amazing the death of Isabelle and the confusion between the twins is very influential to the book. I wasn’t much of a reader but this book is one of the books that got me to find my love for reading again. Danticat is truly an amazing writer.