Scan barcode
snapitsabbey's review
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
dr_amy_k_west's review
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
Moderate stakes cozy-ish read. This was more emotional than the summary implied. Hits on some serious topics (scamming the elderly, PTSD) I really wanted to line this book but it didn't connect. It fell flat and felt shallow in parts, like being told instead of shown. Technically DNF; skimmed the last 25% to get to the end. It wasn't a happy ending but it was realistic. I wasn't invested enough in the characters to care, but was curious how the author would wrap things up given the lack of depth and length of the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol and Alcoholism
Moderate: Mass/school shootings
Minor: Injury/Injury detail
mary_elizabeth's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
abookwormwithwine's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
4.0
I don't know why Claire Swinarski wasn't on my radar before, but I'm so glad she is now! Going into The Funeral Ladies of Ellerie County and simply basing my ideas on its cover and title, I was expecting a funny but down-to-earth read about small-town women cooking for funerals. While that is a part of this story, it was much more serious than I had expected it to be, and it is a heavy hitter as opposed to being a lighthearted read. It does have its funny moments though and being a Minnesotan with in-laws from Wisconsin, so many things were relatable from F.I.B.'s to Spotted Cow to the Northwoods. There are a handful of genres at play here from family drama to romance, and I loved the way Swinarski blended it all together.
I loved that the audiobook is narrated by a full cast, and Alexander Cendese, Alexandra Hunter & Ann Richardson were great as the voices of Esther, Iris, and Cooper. However, I will say that at least Cendese knew how to say F.I.B. (and no it isn't said like FBI 🤣). I saw that the author lives in WI and I thought she did a wonderful job bringing that state and its inhabitants to life. The thing that makes this story the toughest to read is that Cooper is suffering from PTSD which everyone but him recognizes. He basically starts drinking himself into oblivion and those parts (and where they stem from) are very hard to read. We are left with a lot of hope in the end though, and while some aspects were a little too overwhelming for me, I loved the majority of this emotional and thoughtful read. I would recommend this to Midwesterners, bonus points if you are from MN or WI, and readers who are looking for a witty but emotional story that is all about being home.
I loved that the audiobook is narrated by a full cast, and Alexander Cendese, Alexandra Hunter & Ann Richardson were great as the voices of Esther, Iris, and Cooper. However, I will say that at least Cendese knew how to say F.I.B. (and no it isn't said like FBI 🤣). I saw that the author lives in WI and I thought she did a wonderful job bringing that state and its inhabitants to life. The thing that makes this story the toughest to read is that Cooper is suffering from PTSD which everyone but him recognizes. He basically starts drinking himself into oblivion and those parts (and where they stem from) are very hard to read. We are left with a lot of hope in the end though, and while some aspects were a little too overwhelming for me, I loved the majority of this emotional and thoughtful read. I would recommend this to Midwesterners, bonus points if you are from MN or WI, and readers who are looking for a witty but emotional story that is all about being home.
carolinebrooks's review
emotional
reflective
medium-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
4.0
bridgeywill's review
The books main plot line/conflict was the most amazingly sweet old lady being scammed out of money online. Was expecting wholesome and this just bummed me out.