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hvancetx's review
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Gaslighting
Minor: Biphobia
moodreaderhan's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Thank you NetGalley and MacMillan audio for the arc in exchange for an honest review! I am incredibly grateful!
I wish I had more to say, but I started this book immersed and ended it staring into space while feeling like it was incomplete. It felt has if this story has missing parts or pages that I didn't get experience. Tatum's story is one I stand behind, felt for and still enjoyed overall, but I just was waiting for some moments that never came.
I wish I had more to say, but I started this book immersed and ended it staring into space while feeling like it was incomplete. It felt has if this story has missing parts or pages that I didn't get experience. Tatum's story is one I stand behind, felt for and still enjoyed overall, but I just was waiting for some moments that never came.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Infidelity, and Racism
Moderate: Addiction, Sexual assault, and Emotional abuse
rarasreads's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is a quiet, reflective story about the FMC (Tatum) whose present and past collide as she is contacted by a journalist from New York to discuss allegations against a popular male author (M.) with whom she had a complex relationship. Having moved to Chile to start anew, Tatum is now compelled to confront the searing memories of the man she once idolized to the point of obsession. Narrated across dual timelines in an epistolary format, readers become privy to the gradual unraveling of the toxic, power dynamics between Tatum and M.
For starters, this was a well written debut with prose that is both evocative and engaging. I appreciated how the author explores themes of Latinx culture, sexuality, and identity within the broader context of the two characters’ odd relationship as well. However, I wish the author delved into themes in depth as they appear more cursory than central to the storyline.
In terms of characterization, I did find Tatum’s naïveté and behaviors in certain situations a bit perplexing. I was also unable to fathom how she kept M in her life for a decade, hoping he would come to see and value her as she desired. However, I believe this goes to show the nuances of the human experience and the long-lasting impact that M has had on Tatum.
I did find the ending a bit abrupt and lacking clarity. However, I had to remind myself that the focal point is Tatum’s reexamination of her relationship in an effort to find closure.
Overall, a decent, thought-provoking read.
Read if you like:
▪️Character-driven stories
▪️Dual timelines
▪️Exploration of identity
▪️Beautiful writing
▪️Books about books
For starters, this was a well written debut with prose that is both evocative and engaging. I appreciated how the author explores themes of Latinx culture, sexuality, and identity within the broader context of the two characters’ odd relationship as well. However, I wish the author delved into themes in depth as they appear more cursory than central to the storyline.
In terms of characterization, I did find Tatum’s naïveté and behaviors in certain situations a bit perplexing. I was also unable to fathom how she kept M in her life for a decade, hoping he would come to see and value her as she desired. However, I believe this goes to show the nuances of the human experience and the long-lasting impact that M has had on Tatum.
I did find the ending a bit abrupt and lacking clarity. However, I had to remind myself that the focal point is Tatum’s reexamination of her relationship in an effort to find closure.
Overall, a decent, thought-provoking read.
Read if you like:
▪️Character-driven stories
▪️Dual timelines
▪️Exploration of identity
▪️Beautiful writing
▪️Books about books
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Emotional abuse
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