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remusritch's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Listen this book had issues. It had potential and it could have been amazing but it fell short. The name themes were kitschy and a bit on the nose, could have been subtler but still well done. The fact that Evie was 27 years old before she got a job was... A mildly off-putting character trait, and she didn't really react in a way any human person would act? Tbh I think she's probably a self-insert of Carrie, particularly because of the descriptions of her and Vincent (who looks like her ex-boyfriend, who she was dating at the time of writing). Evie seemed to just roll over and let bad things happen to her?
The LGBT+ rep was... There, sure, but I wouldn't call the characters diverse? Vincent is bi, it's mentioned once, but he's only ever dated one man and after Evie only dates women. Eddie is gay, but seems to be used as a reason our two main characters can't be together which feels iffy. Isla is pan. She is a minor character who Evie subsequently names her daughter after despite... Not actually doing a whole lot.
The mother was cartoonishly the villain, for seemingly no reason and it didn't seem realistic of a toxic parent.
Sonny Shine (the worst name in the book imo) was an interesting addition, but seemed to be used as the butt of the joke despite being implied to be an alcoholic, this wasn't handled well, and could have been much better when dealing with alcoholism and addiction in general. Same with regards to a minor character's miscarriage in later chapters, it felt like it was used as punishment for this woman cheating on her partner. I don't know if that was deliberate or me reading into things but it did feel out of left field.
Often the magical realism elements felt... Jarring. I liked the heart tree, I can get behind that, but the drawings turning to glass in particular wasn't chill, nor did I vibe with Little One. The time setting was, I think, supposed to feel like it was timeless (like A Series Of Unfortunate Events) but it just didn't really work out that well? I was never sure what time period it was supposed to be and it detracted from the story.
Having said all of that, it was a sweet, easy read and it was oddly enjoyable despite its many faults. I think it needed more editing and rewriting, but it was Fletcher's first fiction novel and there are learning curves here. May pick up one of her newer books to see if there was any improvement.
The LGBT+ rep was... There, sure, but I wouldn't call the characters diverse? Vincent is bi, it's mentioned once, but he's only ever dated one man and after Evie only dates women. Eddie is gay, but seems to be used as a reason our two main characters can't be together which feels iffy. Isla is pan. She is a minor character who Evie subsequently names her daughter after despite... Not actually doing a whole lot.
The mother was cartoonishly the villain, for seemingly no reason and it didn't seem realistic of a toxic parent.
Sonny Shine (the worst name in the book imo) was an interesting addition, but seemed to be used as the butt of the joke despite being implied to be an alcoholic, this wasn't handled well, and could have been much better when dealing with alcoholism and addiction in general. Same with regards to a minor character's miscarriage in later chapters, it felt like it was used as punishment for this woman cheating on her partner. I don't know if that was deliberate or me reading into things but it did feel out of left field.
Often the magical realism elements felt... Jarring. I liked the heart tree, I can get behind that, but the drawings turning to glass in particular wasn't chill, nor did I vibe with Little One. The time setting was, I think, supposed to feel like it was timeless (like A Series Of Unfortunate Events) but it just didn't really work out that well? I was never sure what time period it was supposed to be and it detracted from the story.
Having said all of that, it was a sweet, easy read and it was oddly enjoyable despite its many faults. I think it needed more editing and rewriting, but it was Fletcher's first fiction novel and there are learning curves here. May pick up one of her newer books to see if there was any improvement.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism
Minor: Infidelity and Miscarriage
aquakerwitch's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism
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