Scan barcode
meepsharrison's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-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? N/A
3.75
harvio's review against another edition
4.0
- a big-hearted, lightly humorous small-town novel
- almost as enjoyable as "A Complicated Kindness"
- almost as enjoyable as "A Complicated Kindness"
ronanmcd's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
4.0
Sometimes we spend so long looking forward to that point when we can finally, after everything, at last be happy, but we miss that we are happy now.
A warm book with a cast of rural Canadians, each one looking for happiness on their own.
<spolier>Eventually they realise happiness by accepting those around them
A warm book with a cast of rural Canadians, each one looking for happiness on their own.
<spolier>Eventually they realise happiness by accepting those around them
bartvanovermeire's review against another edition
5.0
Who would have thought? Such a lighthearted, breezy Miriam Toews book. But also this she pulls off magnificently, the perfect book to read at this moment in time.
Hosea Funk is the mayor of Algren, population 1,500 and in the running for the prize of Canada's smallest town. But babies are being born and people are returning, heck, even his girlfriend wants to move in with him. And it's crucial that he keeps the population down, so they win the Prize and the accounting visit by the prime minister. Delightfully sweet, second book this year with tears at the end, second Miriam Toews.
"I like my stories happy, the sadness comes creeping out of the cracks in the story like blood, happy stories are the saddest."
Hosea Funk is the mayor of Algren, population 1,500 and in the running for the prize of Canada's smallest town. But babies are being born and people are returning, heck, even his girlfriend wants to move in with him. And it's crucial that he keeps the population down, so they win the Prize and the accounting visit by the prime minister. Delightfully sweet, second book this year with tears at the end, second Miriam Toews.
"I like my stories happy, the sadness comes creeping out of the cracks in the story like blood, happy stories are the saddest."
helenmae's review against another edition
5.0
This book has become one of my favorites! It is so charming and sweet. The book is more character than plot based but you get to know each character so well and are cheering for them. It was a quick and fun read that left me wanting more!
renroo's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This is my first book by Miriam Toews. I will definitely check out more. Her writing is beautiful, characters were interesting and kind of quirky.
Favourite quote: "Sometimes it's just the fuckinf sadness in the world, from the beginning of time, and no end to it in sight that begins to eat away at some people. A lot of people, I think."
Favourite quote: "Sometimes it's just the fuckinf sadness in the world, from the beginning of time, and no end to it in sight that begins to eat away at some people. A lot of people, I think."
quietjenn's review against another edition
3.0
Not my favorite Toews. It wanted a little more from the story and elements I just couldn't get with. But she writes with such humor and humanity, which I do love.
ienbdri's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Alcohol, Cancer, Sexual harassment, Rape, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Incest, Fire/Fire injury, Mental illness, Pregnancy, Death, Alcoholism, and Death of parent
hippiequeen's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.5