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3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
This was an intriguing book set in a contemporary London. A heatwave and a whale trapped in the river Thames glues the story arcs together.
You follow a diverse cast of interconnected characters during one weekend, that is filled with almost soap opera-like drama, conflict and miscommunication. The deep dive into their minds widens the scope from this single weekend to their troubled pasts and uncertain futures.
The humor, that made me chuckle out loud, countered the heavier topics discussed in this novel. This, combined with the excellent audiobook, made this a very entertaining and fast-paced read!
You follow a diverse cast of interconnected characters during one weekend, that is filled with almost soap opera-like drama, conflict and miscommunication. The deep dive into their minds widens the scope from this single weekend to their troubled pasts and uncertain futures.
The humor, that made me chuckle out loud, countered the heavier topics discussed in this novel. This, combined with the excellent audiobook, made this a very entertaining and fast-paced read!
medium-paced
This is a confusing book to rate. I really liked pockets and relationships of this book, but with so many characters it was sometimes hard to follow, and i didnt care about some of them. I also liked some of the commentary, especially on the housing situation in London. But others like the nhs is shoed in not subtly at all. So I don’t know what to make of it.
our (mine and the characters’) lived experience can’t be any more different, but there was such a sense of “oh i know this feeling”. it’s a short book but every piece of prose made me feel like i was in someone else’s life.
also went on a trip to london this year in the summer, and parts of my trip that i thought too mundane at the time kept surfacing in my mind while reading.
also went on a trip to london this year in the summer, and parts of my trip that i thought too mundane at the time kept surfacing in my mind while reading.
emotional
reflective
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
This was for the girls and the gays who love summer and gossip and secrets :) I really liked how complex the story got as it went on, and how the different perspectives provided such an intimate look into the characters’ lives. That being said, I felt like there were a few too many povs. Some were underdeveloped and unnecessary, but they did move the story forward so?? idk! Also, felt like I was missing some nuance because I don’t know anything about the different geographic areas/streets/communities of London. All of these anecdotes blurred together- I’m sure they would add to the atmosphere if you were familiar, but for me they felt repetitive. Overall this was enjoyable and really really relatable!
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Bullying, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Rape, Suicidal thoughts
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I REALLY enjoyed this book, an insane debut. Impeccably written, absolutely beautiful parallels, metaphors, and interconnectedness. This book was deliciously messy, and made my heart throb.
emotional
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes