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kit_carmichael's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
I first read this back in 2015 (I think) and just reread it for my book club. The first time I read it in one sitting (in the middle of the night, as I recall) and although I read it more slowly this time, I’m even more impressed. Really, it’s a modern classic and an absolute masterpiece and other, smarter people have said so much about it already that all I can really do is implore you to read it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
theliteraryhooker's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
3.0
I have mixed feelings about this book. It's technically very well written and I felt engaged with the plot. The stream of consciousness prose was very well done. However it felt very detached from its characters, especially once we switch from first- to third-person, which made it difficult for me to feel truly connected to the character and her emotions. Definitely an intriguing little novel and there were moments where I felt emotionally invested, but this wasn't the case for most of the novel.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Infidelity, and Suicide attempt
thevioletfoxbookshop's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage and Infidelity
savvylit's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Jenny Offill is an incredibly talented writer; no doubt about it. In this short novel, she plays with form in a way that feels like a printed stream of consciousness. This nonlinear style is so distinct and delightful.
That being said, the story and the characters are too familiar and bland. Offill's portrait of a marriage feels both real and deeply unexceptional. Some of the portions about the couple's early romance were very sweet and touching. However, beyond Offill's distinct stylistic choices, the story was not memorable at all.
That being said, the story and the characters are too familiar and bland. Offill's portrait of a marriage feels both real and deeply unexceptional. Some of the portions about the couple's early romance were very sweet and touching. However, beyond Offill's distinct stylistic choices, the story was not memorable at all.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Infidelity, Pregnancy, and Toxic relationship
lavenderzoey's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and Infidelity
mayaccountant's review
dark
funny
informative
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity and Abandonment
Moderate: Suicide and Pregnancy
janice_sumka's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity and Mental illness
Moderate: Self harm and Suicide attempt
Minor: Miscarriage
emilyplun's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Infidelity, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Moderate: Pregnancy
Minor: Drug abuse and Drug use
phdpageturner's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, and Infidelity
Minor: Animal cruelty
bikes_and_books's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
I loved this so much. The language punches you in the face with its insight and originality. The story itself is a bit of a bummer, but in the way life generally is. The writing is the real star here. I will read this again.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity