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alicejm's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
A good first novel, but very clearly a first. The writing style was disrupted and jolty. The main characters weren't given room to breath, and the side characters (who were by far the best characters) weren't given enough time. The lack of communication between family members was infuriating and unnecessary. This is not the book for you if you find miscommunication frustrating. The first half and the second half were written very differently. The mystery aspect was really compelling though and I enjoyed wondering about things. The exploration of generational trauma was also very well done. If you want to find out more about flowers, this book ain't it sadly. All the flower meanings are made up.
Moderate: Alcohol, Physical abuse, Domestic abuse, Addiction, Grief, Sexual harassment, Child abuse, Alcoholism, Bullying, Child death, Infidelity, Sexism, Stalking, Toxic relationship, Misogyny, Death, Mental illness, Death of parent, Colonisation, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, and Gaslighting
waytoomanybooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Brutally sad, but gorgeously hopeful. This book has made it on my top favorites of the year. Holly Ringland's writing style is sweeping, descriptive, precise, and beautiful. I can't remember the last time I was so enthralled by a writer's use of language. The way she conveys emotion will tear your heart out.
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Cancer, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Grief, Medical content, Medical trauma, Mental illness, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexism, Stalking, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, and Violence
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