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annabulkowski's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
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
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Infidelity, Suicide, Terminal illness, and Lesbophobia
pixieless's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-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
5.0
A comet appeared. What is a comet but ice and ash and dust?
I like to think of myself as a picky reader, but this melted me completely. I don’t care how clichéd the phrase seems, I need to say; this book is perfection.
I have never read a book that has hit so personally in describing all aspects in relation to how I experienced my grief. When Beth lost Lydia it was like reading someone describing what I went through when my Nanny died, though we had a much different grandmother/granddaughter dynamic than those two, grief hit similarly.
Just really, really beautiful writing- Read this book!
I like to think of myself as a picky reader, but this melted me completely. I don’t care how clichéd the phrase seems, I need to say; this book is perfection.
Just really, really beautiful writing- Read this book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Suicidal thoughts, Death, and Suicide
Moderate: Mental illness, Medical content, Addiction, Alcoholism, Cancer, Alcohol, and Infidelity
Minor: Pregnancy
becca_thegrimreader's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-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
What a breathtaking debut novel. A coming of age story that delves into the world of Beth Crowe and her path of not only self discovery, but the discovery of her family history. Beth is studying psychology in Trinity, and her late grandfather was a famous Irish poet and becomes an object of fascination around campus. After crashing out of competitive swimming, Beth finally begins to swim endless laps in the college swimming pool where she feels most comfortable.
The narration of this book is incredible, and we are transported into Beth's world. It was incredibly relatable to read of someone who is unsure of who they are or what they want. Beth faces not only a personal identity crises, but a familial one too. Each character in this book is strong and well written, a particular stand out would be Gran Lydia who is stubborn and acerbic. Her family guard all family secrets and information closely, especially anything about Beth's grandfather. Growing up with a mild disgust for her grandfather's fame, it is not till she arrives at college does he begin to intrigue her. Around college she is faced with the legacy of her grandfather and those who want to discover more about the man. After beginning a relationship with a post-doc who is obsessed with her grandfather, Beth is spurned on to discovering who her grandfather really was.
This book does touch on the environment of elite athletics and what is demanded of athletes. We clearly see the effects of this culture on Beth and how this has left her shattered. Although the book does not delve into this fully, enough was said of the effects that this high pressure environment can have on a person. I loved the emphasis put on water throughout the book, the sections where Beth describes swimming are utterly magical and were one of my favourite elements of the book.
The narration of this book is incredible, and we are transported into Beth's world. It was incredibly relatable to read of someone who is unsure of who they are or what they want. Beth faces not only a personal identity crises, but a familial one too. Each character in this book is strong and well written, a particular stand out would be Gran Lydia who is stubborn and acerbic. Her family guard all family secrets and information closely, especially anything about Beth's grandfather. Growing up with a mild disgust for her grandfather's fame, it is not till she arrives at college does he begin to intrigue her. Around college she is faced with the legacy of her grandfather and those who want to discover more about the man. After beginning a relationship with a post-doc who is obsessed with her grandfather, Beth is spurned on to discovering who her grandfather really was.
This book does touch on the environment of elite athletics and what is demanded of athletes. We clearly see the effects of this culture on Beth and how this has left her shattered. Although the book does not delve into this fully, enough was said of the effects that this high pressure environment can have on a person. I loved the emphasis put on water throughout the book, the sections where Beth describes swimming are utterly magical and were one of my favourite elements of the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
Moderate: Grief, Death, and Infidelity
annawhelan's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
Moderate: Infidelity
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