Reviews

The book is about the main characters' interactions with eachother so you don't get lots of opportunities to get to know the supporting cast. It is a deliberate choice that really puts the two main characters under the microscope. The characterisation is strong. The alienation of university and transition into adult life if is well realised if a little bit fantastical; despite being about normal people, scholarships seem to fall easily into the two leads laps. This is a very slice of life book that relies on a character driven plot, but is still very easy to read.

lumleyisaac's review against another edition

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5.0

I loved this book and the characters, but I cannot in good conscience root for the main couple.

I loved the structure of the book and how it showed the time passing. Each chapter being a jump forward in time is a method that I personally enjoy. Without spoiling, I thought the ending was a perfect summation of the messiness between Connell and Marianne.

I love when I feel compelled to finish a book and this one kept calling me back.

bookgirl1861's review against another edition

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emotional sad medium-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

2.0

hyunc456's review against another edition

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4.0

I adored this book and its characters. The writing style is almost in a league of its own--reading it was like peering into the lives of the main characters but not being close enough to actually *breathe* it (if you get what I mean) because it just had its own vibe from start to finish. It's beautiful and contemplative, but a little too chill for my liking. Maybe that's the realistic aspect of it, that people live life as it goes on and isn't overly expressive of the small things of it. And maybe this aspect is the reason why many conflicts were left still untied in the end. There was no plot, just a steady stream of things. If it didn't leave me feeling somewhat bittersweet, I mayyyy have given it 5 stars. It is what it is :')

charfaust's review against another edition

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emotional reflective tense 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

4.5

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