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elliewalker1105's review against another edition
funny
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
javinki_'s review against another edition
3.0
Written, in the hyper-self-aware-and-deprecating millenial style of this book, last night:
"I wasn’t sure whether to give it three or four stars, but then I remembered how pissed off I had been when she made her decision, so I opted for three. It was all purely theoretical, anyway, because I still had thirty pages left to read, but it helped me convince myself that I would finish the book tonight. Fat chance of that."
I did enjoy it though! As much as the Sally Rooney comparisons feel a bit diminutive and lazy, I do agree with them... I just wish I had something more interesting to say about this book, to be honest. It was fine! A very stress-free read.
"I wasn’t sure whether to give it three or four stars, but then I remembered how pissed off I had been when she made her decision, so I opted for three. It was all purely theoretical, anyway, because I still had thirty pages left to read, but it helped me convince myself that I would finish the book tonight. Fat chance of that."
I did enjoy it though! As much as the Sally Rooney comparisons feel a bit diminutive and lazy, I do agree with them... I just wish I had something more interesting to say about this book, to be honest. It was fine! A very stress-free read.
melissa_bookworm's review against another edition
2.0
This was being compared to Sally Rooney's Normal People. Though it does have a similar pace, in Normal People you feel for the protagonists & want the best for them - they at times unlikeable but they are relatable. In this book, the protagonist is unlikeable but has few relatable features.
There are moments of interest, for instance Ava's support of abortion within Ireland & her revelation of her relationship with her dad, to show real depth to the character but they pass all to quickly and don't actually develop her as a person.
Perhaps my dislike of this book is because I'm not a 'literary' reader - it was a character based narrative, with little 'plot' but at the same time I felt there wasn't much character development? We never really understand why Ava is so withdrawn & in need to be 'in control' within her friendships/relationships. Julian was not enjoyable, seemingly finding joy in being awful. Edith & Miles were the only characters with redeeming characteristics. The setting wasn't particularly vibrant either, it could have been anywhere in the world. There was also a lot of talk about grammar (as she is a TEFL teacher this made 'sense' but didn't exactly zest up the prose).
It was easy enough to read but there was no pace or intrigue to keep me reading. The ending was a little ambiguous which is typical of books like these but a little closure after 200+ pages of not much happening would have been nice.
There are moments of interest, for instance Ava's support of abortion within Ireland & her revelation of her relationship with her dad, to show real depth to the character but they pass all to quickly and don't actually develop her as a person.
Perhaps my dislike of this book is because I'm not a 'literary' reader - it was a character based narrative, with little 'plot' but at the same time I felt there wasn't much character development? We never really understand why Ava is so withdrawn & in need to be 'in control' within her friendships/relationships. Julian was not enjoyable, seemingly finding joy in being awful. Edith & Miles were the only characters with redeeming characteristics. The setting wasn't particularly vibrant either, it could have been anywhere in the world. There was also a lot of talk about grammar (as she is a TEFL teacher this made 'sense' but didn't exactly zest up the prose).
It was easy enough to read but there was no pace or intrigue to keep me reading. The ending was a little ambiguous which is typical of books like these but a little closure after 200+ pages of not much happening would have been nice.
smm122132's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
ideinkorea's review against another edition
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? It's complicated
4.5
This book is about an Irish woman teaching English in Hong Kong. Been there done that, so I could definitely relate! The writer is so droll, I really enjoyed her humor , lines like ' If I were to consider 20 degrees cold, I would have to revoke my Irish passport", really made me chuckle! I really recommend this book!
wildflowertessi's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed the style of writing but unsure of how I feel about the actual plot line. I hoped for more emotions from the three main characters. Can someone please explain the ending to me?
lilyabryant's review against another edition
4.0
In my opinion, this was a better version of Rooney’s Normal People, which for some reason gets a lot more attention.
This book was a great character development story but not the best for people who prefer very plot heavy stories. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and I felt that the main character was very relatable and engaging while also being easy to hate and find frustration with.
This book has better diverse representation than Normal People and other comps which is why I really enjoyed it and found it more realistic.
This book was a great character development story but not the best for people who prefer very plot heavy stories. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and I felt that the main character was very relatable and engaging while also being easy to hate and find frustration with.
This book has better diverse representation than Normal People and other comps which is why I really enjoyed it and found it more realistic.
helloooooree's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0