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kvokolek's review
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction
Moderate: Death, Medical content, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Eating disorder
applesodaperson's review
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Yeah this book was incredible. Like the book says, "the story of a family is more of a map than a novel". Because yeah this book did not feel at all like a traditional novel. I would more accurately describe it as a character portrait of a family. It explores so many rich and unique themes, that I have not read about much before. Many of the characters had intersecting identities that they had to balance. The most prominent example of this is the narrator's mother, who is arguably just as much of a main character as the narrator is. But anyways, the mother is deaf, which the story talks a lot about. The narrator does not stray away from talking about how hard this is for her mother, but also herself. The family also has the experience of being immigrants multiple times, which is another experience the author does an amazing job of portraying.
I also think this book had some interesting things to say about disability. It brought up the idea that most everyone will be disabled at some point in their lives, especially if they live to be old. Whether its Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or even just reduced mobility, it is something that everyone will have to face.
There were also so many times when I found myself questioning if this was a nonfiction book about the author's life, because the characters lives were so rich and complex, with so many little details and experiences. That just goes to show how well written it is.
But yeah, this book does not have a plot really, although it kind of does follow the characters lives chronologically. Overall really liked this book.
I also think this book had some interesting things to say about disability. It brought up the idea that most everyone will be disabled at some point in their lives, especially if they live to be old. Whether its Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or even just reduced mobility, it is something that everyone will have to face.
There were also so many times when I found myself questioning if this was a nonfiction book about the author's life, because the characters lives were so rich and complex, with so many little details and experiences. That just goes to show how well written it is.
But yeah, this book does not have a plot really, although it kind of does follow the characters lives chronologically. Overall really liked this book.
Content Warnings
Minor: Drug use, Kidnapping, and Suicide attempt
amaya_jam's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
if you love the Copenhagen Trilogy by Tove Ditlevson, you’ll love this as well
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Suicide attempt
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