Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.45 AVERAGE
4.45 AVERAGE
WOW!!!! This was one of the best books I’ve read in a while. Reid continues to be a force to be reckoned with. I listened to the audiobook version, which was absolutely captivating from start to finish. I love the nuance with which Evelyn’s bisexuality is navigated, as well as how she never compromises her true self in her relationships.
This novel feels like an exploration of the “who lives, who dies, who tells your story” motif. Evelyn makes sure to tell her story.
This novel feels like an exploration of the “who lives, who dies, who tells your story” motif. Evelyn makes sure to tell her story.
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
4.5 stars for making me forget repeatedly that this is a novel!
This book is magnificent. The characters are so fleshed out I feel like they should have Wikipedia pages. Surely, they are real people.
I didn't expect to like this book. I read a review that said it felt like another bury-your-gays trope written by a straight woman, and I came into it ready to be disappointed. Now that I've finished, I can say I respectfully disagree.
Evelyn and Celia get their happy ending. Harry and John had it, too. But you can't live forever. People die. To give them a perfect life would feel like a disservice to the LGBT+ people who lived during these times. Who died of AIDS or heartbreak or after spending a an amazing, imperfect life with the love of their lives. I think that reality is captured perfectly in this book, and it's a gorgeous, emotional read.
I didn't expect to like this book. I read a review that said it felt like another bury-your-gays trope written by a straight woman, and I came into it ready to be disappointed. Now that I've finished, I can say I respectfully disagree.
Evelyn and Celia get their happy ending. Harry and John had it, too. But you can't live forever. People die. To give them a perfect life would feel like a disservice to the LGBT+ people who lived during these times. Who died of AIDS or heartbreak or after spending a an amazing, imperfect life with the love of their lives. I think that reality is captured perfectly in this book, and it's a gorgeous, emotional read.
I am not sure why, but I couldn't put this book down. If I wasn't reading it, I was thinking of it. I am not sure what is captivating about the book. The idea that fame isn't the best recipe for a great life ... Was Hugo evil or does everyone live a life to protect themselves and the ones they love? Don't we all hide and lose parts of ourselves?
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
reflective
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A unique yet easy read despite being slow at times
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes