Scan barcode
irenemarie's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Disclaimer: I received a copy through a GoodReads giveaway. Thank you to Henry Holt & Co for the opportunity to read this book.
Wow. I both love and hate this book. However, what I hate is also why I love it. At times it had me throwing my book into my lap. The characters are all flawed, but there are endearing portions to them that make you wishful, hoping for the best. It is with ease that one identities with and feel kinship to the protagonist, Anna, because her emotions and thoughts are articulated so well. Even the moments when she herself isn't sure. Insecurities I have felt, but never knew exactly how to describe. Including why it is so difficult to find the words, or why you can’t say it for fear everything will come crashing down.
Crimp does a fantastic job introducing the reader to the world of opera. Despite having zero knowledge, I am able to comprehend the sensation and emotions of the competitive world of professional singing. I empathize with Anna and want to cradle her, even though at times I want to smack her upside the head. Oh god, does that mean I am Laurie?
I thoroughly enjoyed this, but I will throw out the disclaimer that I am a nearly 35 year old cynical AF woman who has always missed those happily ever after opportunities. Definitely will have to pick something not about domesticity or relationships next, so I don’t go full fledge jaded. 😂
Wow. I both love and hate this book. However, what I hate is also why I love it. At times it had me throwing my book into my lap. The characters are all flawed, but there are endearing portions to them that make you wishful, hoping for the best. It is with ease that one identities with and feel kinship to the protagonist, Anna, because her emotions and thoughts are articulated so well. Even the moments when she herself isn't sure. Insecurities I have felt, but never knew exactly how to describe. Including why it is so difficult to find the words, or why you can’t say it for fear everything will come crashing down.
Crimp does a fantastic job introducing the reader to the world of opera. Despite having zero knowledge, I am able to comprehend the sensation and emotions of the competitive world of professional singing. I empathize with Anna and want to cradle her, even though at times I want to smack her upside the head. Oh god, does that mean I am Laurie?
I thoroughly enjoyed this, but I will throw out the disclaimer that I am a nearly 35 year old cynical AF woman who has always missed those happily ever after opportunities. Definitely will have to pick something not about domesticity or relationships next, so I don’t go full fledge jaded. 😂
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Sexual content
Minor: Drug use
smallcasualbooktok's review
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
oh my god, so good. hot girl booktok is going to DEVOUR this one. if you like sally rooney, you'll love A Very Nice Girl!! A Very Nice Girl examines the power dynamics in relationships, a theme that is almost constant in rooney's work. and like rooney, this novel and the dialogue in it felt incredibly realistic. however, i want to impress that these are just comparisons, and actually, i found A Very Nice Girl unique in it's own right. I think it succeeds where rooney fails sometimes - in many rooney novels, the female characters are primarily defined by their relationship to the male characters. I felt A Very Nice Girl really analyzes this issue delicately, as it's not just a literary problem, many women in our own lives are seemingly defined by their relationships to men as well, or at least present as such. it was so interesting to watch anna start to define herself and her life by max. it was so frustrating to see the progression of anna's decisions and mistakes, but i could not stop reading towards the end!!! the opera aspect of the story was fascinating and really added so much to the story. The writing was rich and descriptive, but not overbearingly so, and I could see the exact picture the author was describing. and god, i just LOVE a female main character in her 20's figuring it all out, i am a sucker for it every time. I will say, however, that at times, the dialogue needed re-reading, a way i haven't felt about books lacking dialogue marks before. i also felt like booktok will love this one, and can see the really interesting discussions stemming from it. I cant wait to talk about the feminist implications of Mil, and the morality of Max, and what actually was reliable from Anna's narration regarding the other characters in the book. i really loved this one, thank you so much netgalley and Henry Holt books for giving me access to the arc! tdlr; 4/5 stars, incredible debut novel, WILL become a gen-z hot girl literary booktok staple
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Alcohol
becca_thegrimreader's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
2.75
A coming of age story that tackles navigating a career, and relationships. I enjoyed many things in this book, with some razor-sharp analysis on performance careers, feminism, and toxic relationships.
Anna is a young opera singer studying at a prestigious opera school. She is struggling financially, working as a jazz singer in a hotel bar while living in below standard accommodation. While at work she meets Max, an older man who captures her attention. Throughout the book, Anna is trying to piece together who Max is as a person. He is a man who doesn’t talk about himself and does not share personal details with Anna unless he has to. It’s hard to call what Anna and Max have a relationship. Anna is naïve and Max takes advantage of that. Sections of this book were difficult to read due to Max’s controlling behaviour and how he gaslights and manipulates her into making decisions about her life. We watch as Anna becomes anxious and wrought with self-doubt as the book progresses.
As a musician, the sections of the book that feature her singing are relatable. We all have high hopes when we begin college, and the sudden vulnerability that Anna feels when starting at her conservatoire is familiar for me. As Max’s control over her strengthens, it is hard to read how Anna’s voice becomes a fearful thing for her. Her voice is her instrument, and it was a powerful choice to display his effect in that way.
I received this book from Netgalley and Bloomsbury Publishing. My review is unbiased and honest.
I received this book from Netgalley and Bloomsbury Publishing. My review is unbiased and honest.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, and Sexual content
More...