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jaclyn_sixminutesforme's review against another edition
4.0
For the most part this was a quiet and unassuming narrative, and I mean that in the best way - it’s strength for me was that it gripped me and had been fully invested in a story and characters that were in the midst of a very normal part of life, an infertility journey. This is written in a very literal and medical sense, and follows the mechanics of IVF and experiencing loss, so understandably may be triggering for some readers. I think it’s a subject not often covered in literary fiction, particularly with the sensitivity and complexity that Frank covers here. The other notable strength for me was the characterization, I felt that this was a family that felt real and nuanced and complex, with narrative threads that addressed the multitudes of life at various stages.
Many thanks to the author and FSG for sending a review copy.
Many thanks to the author and FSG for sending a review copy.
mgrumet's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
jai5de's review against another edition
5.0
So complex and specific. I enjoyed it thoroughly even though at times I felt like I haven’t experienced enough life to enjoy it fully. Look forward to reading again when I feel like I know more of life
rorom's review against another edition
4.0
A slow start but once I got into it I was surprised by how invested I felt in the story, and how deeply I cared for the characters. Michael Frank forms characters with substance so effortlessly that it feels impossible not to see them as real, living people. And I never thought I’d find an Oedipus complex truly fascinating but, here we are! Loved it.
not_courtenay's review against another edition
1.0
When I first saw this book I was captivated by the minimalistic design of its cover. The Epigraph is what truly struck me;
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thebookishfiiasco's review against another edition
4.0
(@fsgbooks #partner) | What Is Missing by Michael Frank | Final Thoughts
.
before picking up this book, i fell in love with the cover. once through my love of the cover, i let my mind run wild over the title... what is missing. what is missing? there are many scenarios to weigh here, and i couldn’t wait to learn which we were going to experience through this read.
.
for about the first three quarters of the book, i found myself being swept up in the day to day life of Costanza and Henry. Costanza was such an alluring, intriguing, and mysterious person to me. her background, past, culture, and overall story made her so likable to me. i was impressed by how willing she was to confront risk with bravery and decisiveness, and go through the difficult and rigid process that is IVF, despite any lingering worries about the man she chose to move forward with.
.
now, at around page 250, i thought i knew exactly what i was in for with this book, and boy, was i wrong. nothing turned out how i predicted and i was literally gasping and making the strangest noises while reading. i just couldn’t believe the twists and turns that were emerging out of this seemingly straightforward, go-with-the-flow story. i’ll read any book detailing experiences and perspectives on motherhood— however, you must know that this one takes a lead in such a unique and powerful way. it will encourage you to question and confront the various ways we define ‘family’ and will leave you with so many good feels to process. if you’re looking for a fairly different approach to a complex family read, with details you may have not expected or been prepared for, this one is for you.
.
4/5 ⭐️
.
before picking up this book, i fell in love with the cover. once through my love of the cover, i let my mind run wild over the title... what is missing. what is missing? there are many scenarios to weigh here, and i couldn’t wait to learn which we were going to experience through this read.
.
for about the first three quarters of the book, i found myself being swept up in the day to day life of Costanza and Henry. Costanza was such an alluring, intriguing, and mysterious person to me. her background, past, culture, and overall story made her so likable to me. i was impressed by how willing she was to confront risk with bravery and decisiveness, and go through the difficult and rigid process that is IVF, despite any lingering worries about the man she chose to move forward with.
.
now, at around page 250, i thought i knew exactly what i was in for with this book, and boy, was i wrong. nothing turned out how i predicted and i was literally gasping and making the strangest noises while reading. i just couldn’t believe the twists and turns that were emerging out of this seemingly straightforward, go-with-the-flow story. i’ll read any book detailing experiences and perspectives on motherhood— however, you must know that this one takes a lead in such a unique and powerful way. it will encourage you to question and confront the various ways we define ‘family’ and will leave you with so many good feels to process. if you’re looking for a fairly different approach to a complex family read, with details you may have not expected or been prepared for, this one is for you.
.
4/5 ⭐️
rob_thottinson's review
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
fictionaltiff's review against another edition
4.0
This is a book that exudes elegance and class from its start in Italy and as it continues in New York (then back to Italy again). The incredibly descriptive writing completely transports the reader to where Henry and his son Andrew meet the mysterious Costanza and their complex and tragic lives intermingle.
‘What is Missing’ walks the reader through the IVF process in an intimate way; from Costanza, desperately desiring a child, to Henry, the doctor (and her lover) who has discovered great advances in the process.
This was one of those enjoyable reads that I loved taking my time with. A budding romance, then the heartbreaking drama that constantly throws life off of its track, Michael Frank masterfully weaves together a great story. It was just what I needed to slow the busy holiday season down a bit.
‘What is Missing’ walks the reader through the IVF process in an intimate way; from Costanza, desperately desiring a child, to Henry, the doctor (and her lover) who has discovered great advances in the process.
This was one of those enjoyable reads that I loved taking my time with. A budding romance, then the heartbreaking drama that constantly throws life off of its track, Michael Frank masterfully weaves together a great story. It was just what I needed to slow the busy holiday season down a bit.