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coffeebookssleep's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-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
3.5
I'll admit, I really struggled at first with the style of writing used for Lola. I nearly gave up based on this. However I'm glad I persevered as it was so worth It. It deals with some heavy topics, but it's written so well! I would have rated this 4.5, however rated 1 less star just because of the Lola struggle.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Alcohol, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Addiction
judygold's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
As always, Marian Keys proves excellent for a captivating easy read, albeit this one with pretty heavy themes. Initially I found the different sections with the voice of each main character (each with different fonts) confusing, but later on got easier to follow
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence and Domestic abuse
marycollins's review against another edition
dark
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Domestic abuse, and Toxic relationship
hepalmer's review against another edition
4.0
This was a re-read - loved it second time just as much as the first time!
donowhit's review against another edition
5.0
Not a PG book--definitely some strong themes, but definitely a keeper. This book really makes you think about why women do the things they do, and why they put up with the stuff they do.
WARNING!! Please be aware that this book depicts the violence and the situations of domestic abuse very graphically.
WARNING!! Please be aware that this book depicts the violence and the situations of domestic abuse very graphically.
arseniobham's review against another edition
2.0
This book was all right--parts of it were sort of annoying, and I ended up skimming some parts just to get to the end (because I was, all things considered, interested in what happened to the characters). Though Marian Keyes has dealt with dark subjects before, this was definitely her darkest book of those I've read (it actually gave me bad dreams). I think because instead of centering on one person's pain, you're hearing about four people's terrible situations.
I'd give it 2.5 stars out of 5 if I could.
I'd give it 2.5 stars out of 5 if I could.
adrienneh1973's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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
violetcat's review against another edition
3.0
More like 3 1/2 stars.
563 pages was way too much. This story could've been told in 200 fewer pages and been just as good, if not better. The subplot of Lola and the cross-dressers didn't add much to the story, and I found myself skimming through those pages. The Lola sections, particularly in the beginning of the book, annoyed me because of the "Bridget Jones-ish" voice Keyes wrote Lola's story in.
I rated this 4 stars instead of 3 because I really liked the ending. Keyes is an interesting storyteller. I've enjoyed all of her books. This isn't the best of the bunch, though.
563 pages was way too much. This story could've been told in 200 fewer pages and been just as good, if not better. The subplot of Lola and the cross-dressers didn't add much to the story, and I found myself skimming through those pages. The Lola sections, particularly in the beginning of the book, annoyed me because of the "Bridget Jones-ish" voice Keyes wrote Lola's story in.
I rated this 4 stars instead of 3 because I really liked the ending. Keyes is an interesting storyteller. I've enjoyed all of her books. This isn't the best of the bunch, though.
scoughlan's review against another edition
3.0
I think this is an important book that delves into serious issues like domestic violence and addiction and describes them extremely well, but it is not without its flaws. My biggest issue was with one of the narrators - Lola - whose diary format and plot too closely mirrored those of Bridget Jones' Diary. The main difference between them was the "tranny" plotline, which was not always treated with sensitivity and conflated two distinct terms (which is addressed in the book but not resolved). Another minor pet peeve was the use of what looked like Comic Sans by one of the other narrators.
essjay1's review against another edition
2.0
What I like about Marian Keyes is that she writes about the “hidden” things that affect our lives, in this case domestic violence, secret desires & addiction. And she usually does so with a strong voice. I usually enjoy her books, I like the way she tackles the big issues with humanity and humour.
For some reason the sections dealing with one of the characters in this book - Lola - are written in a weirdly staccato sort of verbal shorthand that was so distracting I mostly skimmed her parts because it hurt my brain to read. Maybe the author was trying something new and I am too set in my expectations of this author to appreciate it?
For some reason the sections dealing with one of the characters in this book - Lola - are written in a weirdly staccato sort of verbal shorthand that was so distracting I mostly skimmed her parts because it hurt my brain to read. Maybe the author was trying something new and I am too set in my expectations of this author to appreciate it?