Scan barcode
cathyo_113's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I had high hopes for this book because of the use of some elements of magical realism, and while I didn’t like the ending of “In Five Years,” I felt thoughtful about the story itself. In this, Daphne’s life and relationships shaped who she’d become, and how the story unfolded kept me engaged as a reader. But I hated Daphne as the MC at about the 75% mark. I won’t include spoilers, but that’s around when a major plot twist occurs. After, I was left disappointed in Daphne and the remaining story.
Graphic: Medical content, Death, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Chronic illness, Terminal illness, and Toxic relationship
iovreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
i like a complicated main character but daphne just fumbled through life thinking she knew everything without actually questioning anything that was happening to her. that kind of hands off approach to your own life just felt so off-putting to me that i didn’t feel like i was emotionally connecting with her as a character
Graphic: Medical content and Medical trauma
kaakison's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Graphic: Chronic illness, Medical content, Grief, and Terminal illness
sk8r2natls's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Medical trauma and Medical content
bringmybooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thank you to Edelweiss, Atria Books, & Simon & Schuster for the opportunity to read and review this book before it's publication date! This in no way affected my review, opinions are my own.
Review: Rebecca Serle's books seem to be finding a particularly formulaic groove, but I don't know that I mind it too much - it's predictable in it's way, but it works so well for her that it's not a problem. As in her previous books, I genuinely loved these characters and enjoyed watching the back and forth between them (as well as really enjoying the now and then of the storytelling, and getting to see each of her relationships since the letters started arriving).
There were a couple of quibbles I had with some parts at the end, and that's where it kind of lost me on the enjoyment, plot, and pacing factors - but overall it is definitely recommended (and with a "Bring" rather than "Borrow" because her covers are just too good!)
Overall Rating: ★★★★ / 3.88
Rating each element of the book out of 5★
Characters ★★★★
Atmosphere ★★★
Writing ★★★★
Plot ★★★
Intrigue ★★★★
Logic ★★★★
Enjoyment ★★★
Pacing ★★★
Dialogue ★★★★
★ did not like / ★★ it was okay / ★★★ liked it / ★★★★ really liked it / ★★★★★ loved it
Graphic: Medical content, Terminal illness, Chronic illness, Infertility, Grief, Medical trauma, and Death
mandi_lea's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Graphic: Abandonment, Alcohol, Grief, Terminal illness, Chronic illness, Death, Medical content, and Sexual content
niquee3317's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Chronic illness, Grief, Infertility, and Medical content
jjoyce's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Graphic: Chronic illness, Medical content, and Medical trauma
xoxojordanisabella's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
overall, it was worth the time i spent reading it, but i probably won’t be giving it a second read and i’m really glad i borrowed it from the library instead of buying it.
Moderate: Chronic illness and Medical content
Minor: Medical trauma
daniellereadslikealot_'s review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Moderate: Medical content
Minor: Death