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3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A cute, cozy read about finding your way wrapped around the story of a magical bookshop in Ireland and the ruthless profession of book collecting. Along with some (at times surprisingly) dark, but all too real themes of DV, alcoholism, and the systemic silencing of women. Each of the three narrating characters go on their own journey of self-discovery, overcoming internal and external challenges. The thread of the past weaves its way into the present, as those who are lost, suddenly find everything they didn’t know they were looking for.
Absolute spoillllleeerrrsssssss below
Some slight criticism and questions: personally I kind of wish there was a better explanation for Martha’s extremely acute “intuition”… where does it come from? Why doesn’t she sense Madam Bowden (seems?) to not be fully human or possibly a ghost? Like not even an inkling, besides the fact that she’s much older than she seems?
And why can Henry and Shane see MB but no one else? If MB isn’t “real” then who invited her friends over and WHY? Maybe I forgot, but the old lady lunch party was strange and didn’t seem to add much to the story? Was there any significance to them or her former husbands that might give a clue to who MB really was? I know people have said she is the bookshop which makes sense but why sign the letter as B? It almost feels like B could stand for Brontë but I’m not 100% sold either way. Also why the magical tattooing on her back? Like I get it, but I kind of wanted more of an explanation as to why that kind of magic is possible, in a world that is seemingly not magical.
Absolute spoillllleeerrrsssssss below
Some slight criticism and questions: personally I kind of wish there was a better explanation for Martha’s extremely acute “intuition”… where does it come from? Why doesn’t she sense Madam Bowden (seems?) to not be fully human or possibly a ghost? Like not even an inkling, besides the fact that she’s much older than she seems?
And why can Henry and Shane see MB but no one else? If MB isn’t “real” then who invited her friends over and WHY? Maybe I forgot, but the old lady lunch party was strange and didn’t seem to add much to the story? Was there any significance to them or her former husbands that might give a clue to who MB really was? I know people have said she is the bookshop which makes sense but why sign the letter as B? It almost feels like B could stand for Brontë but I’m not 100% sold either way. Also why the magical tattooing on her back? Like I get it, but I kind of wanted more of an explanation as to why that kind of magic is possible, in a world that is seemingly not magical.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Awww that was so good! Love a magical realism. The only things that kept me from a 5 star are:
- Soooo much trigger-warning worthy content. I know that it was part of these characters’ stories and what made them them, but it’s still hard to read
- The “missed communication” between Henry and Martha. For the love of god, just talk with each other. It’s one trope that really annoys me. Instead of the “omg we both love each other but are to nervous/afraid to say so” isn’t my favorite
- Soooo much trigger-warning worthy content. I know that it was part of these characters’ stories and what made them them, but it’s still hard to read
- The “missed communication” between Henry and Martha. For the love of god, just talk with each other. It’s one trope that really annoys me. Instead of the “omg we both love each other but are to nervous/afraid to say so” isn’t my favorite
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Gaslighting
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
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:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is such a charming story, beautifully written. Her descriptions flow, and illustrate the world of the story, capturing you from chapter one.
The story itself focuses on three people's perspectives, entwined by common interests, a little magic, and love. I felt invested in each person and had to read 'just one more chapter' many times.
Many important and emotional topics within, and a lovely tribute to the importance and magic of books and how they can change our lives.
I would have liked a bit more magic and spookiness throughout.
The story itself focuses on three people's perspectives, entwined by common interests, a little magic, and love. I felt invested in each person and had to read 'just one more chapter' many times.
Many important and emotional topics within, and a lovely tribute to the importance and magic of books and how they can change our lives.
I would have liked a bit more magic and spookiness throughout.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Murder, Pregnancy
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child death, Drug abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Blood
Minor: Gun violence, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicide, Death of parent, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Abandonment, War
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Forced institutionalization, Pregnancy