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3.59 AVERAGE
3.59 AVERAGE
This was a nice little story! I picked it up on a whim from an outlet store when I saw it for a low price, and I always love a good story about writing, being a creative writer myself. It definitely did give me vibes of 'The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society' and 'The Jane Austen Society,' which I liked, but it was unique in its own special way. The story was told entirely through letters, which was a really interesting way of going about things!
I did have some trouble with it at specific points, mainly, I think, because it had been translated from French into English, and some things just seemed a little convoluted and wordy, which lost me sometimes. There was also a huge cast of characters, some of which were only mentioned once or twice, and specific details about characters only came up once in a blue moon, which made it difficult to connect all the pieces when, for instance, elements from the really early chapters came up late in the story. That was my main trouble with the story. The ending also seemed a bit open-ended and left some loose ends. Romantic relationships (one in particular) that had been teased as a 'will they, won't they?' dynamic the entire time never came to fruition despite the time skip at the end, which was rather frustrating for me. They make you think that they're finally going to get together, and then...nothing, which was disappointing. Overall, though, it was a cute story to start on a beach day! Short and sweet, which makes it an easy, light read if you're dealing with a reading slump or just need something simple and book-related.
I did have some trouble with it at specific points, mainly, I think, because it had been translated from French into English, and some things just seemed a little convoluted and wordy, which lost me sometimes. There was also a huge cast of characters, some of which were only mentioned once or twice, and specific details about characters only came up once in a blue moon, which made it difficult to connect all the pieces when, for instance, elements from the really early chapters came up late in the story. That was my main trouble with the story. The ending also seemed a bit open-ended and left some loose ends. Romantic relationships (one in particular) that had been teased as a 'will they, won't they?' dynamic the entire time never came to fruition despite the time skip at the end, which was rather frustrating for me. They make you think that they're finally going to get together, and then...nothing, which was disappointing. Overall, though, it was a cute story to start on a beach day! Short and sweet, which makes it an easy, light read if you're dealing with a reading slump or just need something simple and book-related.
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
I love how we get the story only through letters the characters write to each other. You do have to pay attention to who the letter is to and who it is from.
This was a quick, easy, and beautifully written read! I did not find it life-changing, but it was certainly cute and entertaining.
emotional
hopeful
slow-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:
No
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
fast-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
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
A quirky and charming story about the journey of a lost manuscript and the people who encounter it. This was a wonderfully formatted book told in letters between various characters. I had so much fun getting to know the characters and seeing their friendships grow. I enjoyed the plot so much and it was such a unique one! All the side characters and their connected stories were a great touch and this was just an overall pleasant and enjoyable read!
Not quite Helene Hanff but enjoyable just the same. I wish I had the language skills to read it in the original French.
