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cdd727's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- 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
2.25
nachonoemi_'s review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I definitely understand the appeal of this book. the writing was very beautiful.
however, i feel like it belongs in the same category as rupi kaur books, an exploration of womens pain that attempts to contain extreme depth but ultimately does little for me. maybe this narrative is simply not made for me in this point in my life, but i strongly felt that i was SUPPOSED to feel the weight of the story. similar to kaurs poetry, the writing convinces the audience that the sentiments expressed are deep and tragic, while actually providing very little emotional reaction.
i kept thinking about how similar the themes are to ‘Fleabag’ but i truly think the show does a much better job at portraying them. the mc in both media are flawed and struggle with similar issues, however fleabag is still likeable. everything she does is unpleasant but the audience sees her pain in themselves, bonding over its effects. the main character in this book is simply upsetting. i understand her actions but they don’t make me see her as a victim of her circumstances, she’s just a shitty person. her behaviour is consistently illogical and she would benefit from therapy
however, i feel like it belongs in the same category as rupi kaur books, an exploration of womens pain that attempts to contain extreme depth but ultimately does little for me. maybe this narrative is simply not made for me in this point in my life, but i strongly felt that i was SUPPOSED to feel the weight of the story. similar to kaurs poetry, the writing convinces the audience that the sentiments expressed are deep and tragic, while actually providing very little emotional reaction.
i kept thinking about how similar the themes are to ‘Fleabag’ but i truly think the show does a much better job at portraying them. the mc in both media are flawed and struggle with similar issues, however fleabag is still likeable. everything she does is unpleasant but the audience sees her pain in themselves, bonding over its effects. the main character in this book is simply upsetting. i understand her actions but they don’t make me see her as a victim of her circumstances, she’s just a shitty person. her behaviour is consistently illogical and she would benefit from therapy
maddykris's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
nikkiiiii0106's review against another edition
5.0
I'm speechless. It feels as if this book was written for me, to me, and by me. I've never felt so heard in a piece of writing. As if she had transcribed all of my feelings that I was so desperately trying to hide and forever failed to convey in my own words out loud. Disgustingly phenomenal writing, I've never felt so exposed and naked reading.
(DISREGARD THE CHEATING PART-i don't condole cheating of any form :) <333)
edit: tbh this is what I thought Normal People was gonna to do me :\
(DISREGARD THE CHEATING PART-i don't condole cheating of any form :) <333)
edit: tbh this is what I thought Normal People was gonna to do me :\
thewkndwitch's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- 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
4.0
macyq's review
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jazzsonn's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
3.25
Interesting that the narrator's name is never revealed - perhaps partly reflects her constant struggle with self and identity. The short chapters made for faster reading; appreciated the simplicity of the writing. Disappointing that cheating and infidelity were important aspects of the narrative (understandable, in the context of the book, but getting tired of it). Felt sad that her self-debasement, self-punishment, self-inflicted misery made sense to me. Main takeaway: human love, worldly love is fleeting, unstable, unreliable.
piggyreadsbooks's review against another edition
reflective
fast-paced
- 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
3.25
sydneyp230's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75