Scan barcode
what_heather_loves's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"If someone had asked me how things were going a few weeks ago I would have said 'this is fine, it's fine'. Little phrases we use to wash down our discontent even though 'fine' is an adjective that has moved so far away from its original meaning of things being excellent or good, that it has become a piece of tape hiding the cracks in a life. I only know that because life feels different now."
39 year old Padma finds herself taking care of her distant teenage niece Myra in a Kent seaside town one summer after her self-centred boyfriend of 10 years suggests they go on a break and Myra suffers alcohol poisoning. Will Padma and Myra mend fences?
I adored In Case Of Emergency by the author, so requested her new book through NetGalley and was not disappointed. More wise words about friendship and family seen through the eyes of Padma and Myra, both of whom I was drawn in by, wanting to know them better. It was a joy to follow them both on their journeys to understanding themselves and what they wanted from their lives, less constrained by their pasts and others' expectations. The pretty and up-and-coming seaside town of Harkness was a lovely location from the summer away from their usual lives and supporting characters, Daisy (Maya's mum and Padma's sister), Selena (Padma's new friend), Henry (Padma's love interest) and Greg (Myra's new friend) were equally well-drawn and relatable. Astute examinations of some challenging themes, including alcoholism, parental abandonment and grief, motherhood and choosing to be child-free, are expertly woven into the plot, peppered with affectionate humour. I found this to be so readable - a skillfully written and moving novel engaging the reader so they feels connected to the characters. Highly recommended!
39 year old Padma finds herself taking care of her distant teenage niece Myra in a Kent seaside town one summer after her self-centred boyfriend of 10 years suggests they go on a break and Myra suffers alcohol poisoning. Will Padma and Myra mend fences?
I adored In Case Of Emergency by the author, so requested her new book through NetGalley and was not disappointed. More wise words about friendship and family seen through the eyes of Padma and Myra, both of whom I was drawn in by, wanting to know them better. It was a joy to follow them both on their journeys to understanding themselves and what they wanted from their lives, less constrained by their pasts and others' expectations. The pretty and up-and-coming seaside town of Harkness was a lovely location from the summer away from their usual lives and supporting characters, Daisy (Maya's mum and Padma's sister), Selena (Padma's new friend), Henry (Padma's love interest) and Greg (Myra's new friend) were equally well-drawn and relatable. Astute examinations of some challenging themes, including alcoholism, parental abandonment and grief, motherhood and choosing to be child-free, are expertly woven into the plot, peppered with affectionate humour. I found this to be so readable - a skillfully written and moving novel engaging the reader so they feels connected to the characters. Highly recommended!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Mental illness, and Abandonment
Moderate: Death of parent, Grief, and Bullying
Minor: Miscarriage
More...