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sandysmith's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
It was a short novella, but one I devoured readily. I had read the unlikely pilgrimage of Harold Fry and absolutely loved it. This book was written some 10 years plus after the first book, is post pandemic and gives Maureen, Harold's wife a voice. I'm my opinion, you do need to read Harold's story prior to reading this one, although Queenies book, the second one written in the trilogy has now has jumped up my TBR list. Previously, I had not particularly liked Maureen, but gradually, I began to understand her and warmed to her. It's about her journey to see Queenies garden that has memorials to both Harold and her beloved son David. She was unprepared for her journey with its challenges, and her gradual acceptance of loss is so beautifully written. Rachel Joyce has done it again, a thought-provoking wonderful read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Child death, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Car accident and Mental illness
Minor: Pandemic/Epidemic
rach22's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.5
I thought it was a bit slow to start off with, but it ended with an important and emotional message. The start of the book was very sad and rather depressing. However I am glad I stuck with the book and finished reading as I thought the ending was lovely.
Maureen was definitely not the most likeable character ever but I found her interesting and even relatable in some aspects and I feel like as a reader I began to understand her closer to the end of the novel.
It was different for me to read a story from the perspective of an older person and I found that quite interesting.
Maureen was definitely not the most likeable character ever but I found her interesting and even relatable in some aspects and I feel like as a reader I began to understand her closer to the end of the novel.
It was different for me to read a story from the perspective of an older person and I found that quite interesting.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness and Suicide
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