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horationelson's review against another edition
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Overall, I liked this book, and will probably check out some other books by Patchett. The last twoish hours (of the audiobook) fell kind of flat. The reappearance of the first Mrs. Conroy felt like... a deflation? It was disappointing and unbelievable. Maybe I'm not as goodhearted as Maeve and Danny learned to be in the end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Death of parent, Death, Grief, and Abandonment
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Medical content, and Terminal illness
Minor: Infidelity and Vomit
curatoriallyyours's review
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The pace of the story at the beginning was unbearably slow to me, and I found the storyline and characters somewhat confusing. Things picked up about half way through with the introduction of Celeste, then it all started falling into place. Essentially this is the story of a messed up family, centred around an extravagant house that is not in keeping with its surrounds. The characters are not particularly likeable but as you start to piece together their lives, you begin to understand why they are the way they are. I found myself thinking about the nature of marriage and the way real estate can affect relationships. I also thought there were some points of incisive commentary about values and human nature that made me think. So, if that's what you're into, this book is for you. If a slow pace is not up your alley, avoid this book like the plague!
Content Warnings
Minor: Chronic illness, Death, Dementia, Emotional abuse, Grief, Infidelity, Medical content, Terminal illness, and Vomit
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