Scan barcode
klara_wndl's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
katykelly's review against another edition
4.0
Another heart-rending poetic novel from Crossan.
Each lyrical piece of writing from Crossan manages to be narrative and poetry. A complete story broken down into chapters that each become a poem in their own right. I don't know how she does it.
While Toffee tells a truly distressing tale of abuse, it never quite hit my heart the way 'One' or 'The Weight of Water' did.
Allison is our focus. Physically and psychologically abused at home for many years, her father's longest-term partner (and Allison's ally) gone, she also leaves. But the shed she hides in belongs to an old lady who sees her own old friend in the young girl, and the dementia-ridden woman and Allison form an unlikely alliance.
We watch Marla's dementia turn Allison from a friend called Toffee into someone she battles, the effects of her illness so painful, including for Marla's own son.
The conflict between the women and their torturers, and the relationships between the women, are the two prongs of this story. I found the chapters of Allison and her father quite frightening, the girl's perspective somehow detached but still brutal in their depiction of mistreatment and violence. You know exactly what is happening. I wanted to know more about her father, delve into his psyche.
It's a structure that melds itself well to the audio format, with short chapters and the verse structure in one voice a pattern that flows easily to the ear. The actor narrating has a young and vulnerable voice that suits the protagonist.
A very short book, combining two emotive and highly relevant subjects to young people and their families today.
With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.
Each lyrical piece of writing from Crossan manages to be narrative and poetry. A complete story broken down into chapters that each become a poem in their own right. I don't know how she does it.
While Toffee tells a truly distressing tale of abuse, it never quite hit my heart the way 'One' or 'The Weight of Water' did.
Allison is our focus. Physically and psychologically abused at home for many years, her father's longest-term partner (and Allison's ally) gone, she also leaves. But the shed she hides in belongs to an old lady who sees her own old friend in the young girl, and the dementia-ridden woman and Allison form an unlikely alliance.
We watch Marla's dementia turn Allison from a friend called Toffee into someone she battles, the effects of her illness so painful, including for Marla's own son.
The conflict between the women and their torturers, and the relationships between the women, are the two prongs of this story. I found the chapters of Allison and her father quite frightening, the girl's perspective somehow detached but still brutal in their depiction of mistreatment and violence. You know exactly what is happening. I wanted to know more about her father, delve into his psyche.
It's a structure that melds itself well to the audio format, with short chapters and the verse structure in one voice a pattern that flows easily to the ear. The actor narrating has a young and vulnerable voice that suits the protagonist.
A very short book, combining two emotive and highly relevant subjects to young people and their families today.
With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.
dyamonddd's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.75
soup_dogg's review
5.0
The writing is very captivating and very emotional, would def recommend for a quick read. I like how through most of the poems there’s little life lesson.
izzys_internet_bookshelf's review against another edition
5.0
5/5
Dang it I loved this book. the book being in verse made it a fast read for me, but the story was enough to bring tears to my eyes more than once. I loved the characters and how the reader slowly got to know more of them as the book moved on.
Dang it I loved this book. the book being in verse made it a fast read for me, but the story was enough to bring tears to my eyes more than once. I loved the characters and how the reader slowly got to know more of them as the book moved on.
nieve24's review against another edition
4.0
I absolutely loved the originality of this book and it was so beautifully written and sad that I wanted to read more and didn’t want the story to end. It’s easy to read as it’s written in verse, and I was impressed with the books ability to covey the story and character progression I could connect with in so few words.
This book took me on a realistic journey of raw emotion feeling for the characters and joining them along their journey. I also loved that this book didn’t have an obvious happy ending which makes it more true to life and realistic.
I would definitely recommend this book as it’s characters are beautifully written, and the story will stay with you as a result of the emotional connection it invokes. I know I will definitely be reading more of her books!
This book took me on a realistic journey of raw emotion feeling for the characters and joining them along their journey. I also loved that this book didn’t have an obvious happy ending which makes it more true to life and realistic.
I would definitely recommend this book as it’s characters are beautifully written, and the story will stay with you as a result of the emotional connection it invokes. I know I will definitely be reading more of her books!
kendranineill's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
sarahlreadseverything's review against another edition
4.0
Sarah Crossan has such an excellent way of telling stories beautifully and economically