Reviews with content warning for Suicide - Mayflies

Dear Matija, this was painful to read. The first two thirds because I didn't get the references and couldn't connec to the story or characters, and last third of the book because I couldn't see the pages from my tears. I hope nothings remotely similar ever happens to us and I hope we live a long and happy life full of music and movies and friendships, without Ulysses. I love you!

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gritsgritsgrits's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny hopeful 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

5.0

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crypticmetall's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad 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

5.0

I picked this book up because I wanted to understand men... soft gently complex and utterly nuance men. Male friendship with a deep innate love for one another that isn't normalized in media. Seeing their story fleshed out in a way that felt genuine, understood and with a bittersweet end was a wonderfully sad experience.

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eabhawall's review

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dark sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

This book was a tale of 2 halves. Exploring friendship between a group of Scottish lads, both in the 80s as teens and then in their middle age.
I thought the novel was interesting, but I wasn't as blown away as many other reviewers. It is a beautiful depiction and exploration of ageing, male friendship and terminal illness. Jimmy and Tully's connection was great, but most of the supporting characters were underdeveloped in the first half. Therefore I didn't much care where their stories had gone once the time had jumped.

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rach's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced

3.0

This is really two books in one. The first half is a story of friendship, chosen family, and the reckless fun of youth. The second half, while still focusing on friendship, is much more complicated and sad. Death of a parent, cancer, and assisted suicide are tough topics to read about, and I can’t say I enjoyed where this book went, but all the discussions were thoughtful and respectful.

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annatroughton's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional funny 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

3.75

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ktcaudle's review against another edition

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challenging emotional inspiring reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.25

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spicycronereads's review

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emotional funny reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

Thought this was going to be a coming of age novel with a good soundtrack. It wrecked me. I listened to the audio book which might have been a contributing factor. I was also driving while
listening so I was never fully focused, which might have affected my experience of the pacing, etc. I want a Spotify playlist and a restaurant menu based on the music references and the dinner at the end. Make that two playlists - one for all the music they trash talk too.

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