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subito22's review against another edition
4.0
Finished this in one sitting. It's sad and, at times, frustrating to the point that you want to yell at the characters in this book for certain decisions (looking at you, James), but a very captivating story.
caitlinomorrison's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
grace_porter's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mrswhite's review against another edition
4.0
This book is excellently written, which almost forgives the fact that almost everyone in it is hopelessly and painfully self-absorbed.
kcrawfish's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 - This book is a study in the baggage parents can transfer to their children. Years of resentments and insecurities, of crushed dreams and fears, they can all be funneled into a convenient, waiting receptacle. Your child.
And if you were wondering if that’s okay, healthy even, no. Definitely not. Even the relationships your kids have to each other can fracture as a result.
Read this if you’re in the mood for a family drama with primary focus on the parents.
And if you were wondering if that’s okay, healthy even, no. Definitely not. Even the relationships your kids have to each other can fracture as a result.
Read this if you’re in the mood for a family drama with primary focus on the parents.
whatsemmyreading's review against another edition
5.0
A family drama, with a lot of focus on day-to-day, sibling relationships, being different than others, and how the expectations of parents can affect us.
The book was pretty heavy to read - it opens with the death of Lydia, but somehow that isn’t even the heaviest piece. It was hard reading about how her parents favored her, and the weight they placed on her by doing so, and how much her siblings starved for their attention. I’ve seen that dynamic in real life in sibling groups, and it has such an effect on everyone involved, even the favored child.
The slight mystery throughout, of how Lydia died, took a backseat to learning about the family and what had led up to this point.
I really loved how much attention it paid to the weights parents can put on their children, just by wanting the things for their children it didn’t get to do. It’s definitely a poignant book, with many passages worth highlighting.
I highly recommend if you’re a fan of family dramas, especially around sibling relationships, and the effect parents can have on them.
The book was pretty heavy to read - it opens with the death of Lydia, but somehow that isn’t even the heaviest piece. It was hard reading about how her parents favored her, and the weight they placed on her by doing so, and how much her siblings starved for their attention. I’ve seen that dynamic in real life in sibling groups, and it has such an effect on everyone involved, even the favored child.
The slight mystery throughout, of how Lydia died, took a backseat to learning about the family and what had led up to this point.
I really loved how much attention it paid to the weights parents can put on their children, just by wanting the things for their children it didn’t get to do. It’s definitely a poignant book, with many passages worth highlighting.
I highly recommend if you’re a fan of family dramas, especially around sibling relationships, and the effect parents can have on them.
mia_cl20's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
ellecam's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
vanessareadstoomuch's review against another edition
4.0
*4.75* Celeste Ng is really out here just tearing my up emotionally. Beautifully written book. Loved how she wrote about the family dynamics and each perspective was somehow perfectly captured. Must read.
johnchan's review against another edition
5.0
my favorite of her books. it feels like going to the thrift store, buying a journal, and realizing that the pages are already filled. the small portrait of a family falling apart moved me deeply.