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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
This might be my favorite book I've read this year, definitely in the top 3! Well worth pushing through the slow start. I cried SO many times and was deeply moved by this book. If you want to read about grief and belonging, moving towards yourself instead of away; about swans, selkies, Nordic folklore, the sea, the power of women in community, look no further.
Some of my favorite quotes:
"Everything I've wanted most in life has been on the other side of finding the courage to ask for the help I needed"
"There's a certain kind of beauty that can only exist because of darkness"
"My love will not leave you"
Some of my favorite quotes:
"Everything I've wanted most in life has been on the other side of finding the courage to ask for the help I needed"
"There's a certain kind of beauty that can only exist because of darkness"
"My love will not leave you"
I get that this novel will be some people's cup of tea - but not mine. I found it slow, self-indulgent uninteresting. I felt no reason to care about any of the characters. Pity because I was really looking forward reading this.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I loved this story, and the journey it took me on, it would have been a 5 star read if the main character had been a little more likeable in the first half of the book, if some pointless filler chapters had been trimmed, and if the author genuinely captured the essence of Tasmania. There were some glaring issues that showed the author was not truly familiar with the island state, which pulled me out of the story. Those small gripes aside, I enjoyed this exploration of fairytales, family, and grief, I shed many tears, which is high praise as few books elicit such a reaction from me.
"The Seven Skins of Esther Wilding" weaves a poignant tale of loss and self-discovery as Esther embarks on a journey following her sister's mysterious disappearance. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Lutruwita, Tasmania, Copenhagen, and the Faroe Islands, the novel explores the depths of sisterly love and the transformative power of grief. The author skillfully integrates Aura's cryptic verses and fairy tales, creating a narrative that is both haunting and beautiful. Esther's raw grief adds a layer of emotional intensity, making the novel a challenging yet deeply moving read at times.
Narration was great. Start dragged out, enjoyed the middle and the end was just ok. I was kind of “oh that’s it?”. The relationship was a little weird as were some of the Aussie character names (thought I’d missed a part in the book that may have explained a different culture). Wanted so much to love this, maybe due to counting down the days till it was released but just liked it. Much preferred Lost Flowers
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was such an interesting read. I don’t often get into Lit Fic but when I do, it’s usually a nice change of pace.
There were parts of this that I really enjoyed and other parts that felt a bit too mystical to me.
I liked the exploration of grief and finding yourself. Riding alongside the main character as she uncovered why her sister lost herself was really emotional and impactful. It was mysterious enough to keep me intrigued the whole time. I also really enjoyed all of the characters, especially the ones she was able to meet and heal with in Europe. I thought I would hate the circumstances of her romance and found family but reading her thoughts and experiences along the way made me completely understand and sympathize with her. I was really rooting for her !!
I also loved the dynamic with her mother. That was so emotional and raw and really well explored I think. It felt relatable as just a woman and daughter.
A part that I didn’t particularly enjoy was all the mystical swan shit. It felt super ridiculous in the setting of real grief and discovery of self. Just felt like an unnecessary aspect.
Overall I really enjoyed this and I’m glad the book caught my attention on our Book Road Trip! Can’t wait to check out more of her stuff
There were parts of this that I really enjoyed and other parts that felt a bit too mystical to me.
I liked the exploration of grief and finding yourself. Riding alongside the main character as she uncovered why her sister lost herself was really emotional and impactful. It was mysterious enough to keep me intrigued the whole time. I also really enjoyed all of the characters, especially the ones she was able to meet and heal with in Europe. I thought I would hate the circumstances of her romance and found family but reading her thoughts and experiences along the way made me completely understand and sympathize with her. I was really rooting for her !!
I also loved the dynamic with her mother. That was so emotional and raw and really well explored I think. It felt relatable as just a woman and daughter.
A part that I didn’t particularly enjoy was all the mystical swan shit. It felt super ridiculous in the setting of real grief and discovery of self. Just felt like an unnecessary aspect.
Overall I really enjoyed this and I’m glad the book caught my attention on our Book Road Trip! Can’t wait to check out more of her stuff
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes