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gabs_parr's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I’ve read and even recommended several of Rebecca Yarros’ books now, but this is FAR AND AWAY her best that I’ve read to date. I know that I’m going to think about this book for years to come and I’m going to think about it every time I’m in a conversation about Power of Attorney, DNR orders, and the rights of bodily autonomy for dementia patients during their lucid periods. And those conversations may not be common for other people, but both of my parents are nurses by trade, my stepdad lives with MS, I am the oldest daughter who has already been told I will be POA for both of my parents and my stepdad. And dementia runs in my family… on 3/4 genetic sides. 3 of my biological grandparents died with Alzheimer’s diagnoses as a co-morbidity. I have not taken the test and neither have my parents to know if we have the gene. So these conversations actually happen frequently in our household. The question of patient rights was at the center of this book, but the books was also about so much more. Family, friendship, first love in a small town, redeeming love, grief, survivors guilt, small town politics and economics, tourist town economics, historic preservation, military service, sacrifice, honor…. The easiest 5 stars I’ve given in a long time. I knew this book was 5 stars like 2 hours in. As soon as the themes started really coming together and Yarros started asking the questions the book set out to answer, I just knew.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Dementia, Death, Medical content, and Chronic illness
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Gaslighting, Sexual content, Death of parent, Violence, and Cursing
Minor: Confinement, Alcohol, Medical trauma, and Blood
smasson13's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I absolutely love Rebecca Yarros novels. Having previously read The Last Letter, I knew I would love his one.
Camden was a great character and I loved him more and more as the book went on. The complexity of his past/emotions was really well done. Thiugh I did find all the characters more flat/lacking depth than her other novels I've read.
The twist at the end was such a surprise while I was reading it, but maybe I should have known!
A beautiful book if you're interesting in the themes of family, going home, and growing into what you deserve.
Camden was a great character and I loved him more and more as the book went on. The complexity of his past/emotions was really well done. Thiugh I did find all the characters more flat/lacking depth than her other novels I've read.
The twist at the end was such a surprise while I was reading it, but maybe I should have known!
A beautiful book if you're interesting in the themes of family, going home, and growing into what you deserve.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Fire/Fire injury, Terminal illness, Dementia, Injury/Injury detail, and Medical content
Minor: War, Pregnancy, Confinement, and Blood
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