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3frenchtoast's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Violence
Moderate: Death
samanthawattam's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Sabine, a Magician’s Assistant for 22 years loses her husband Parsifal, the Magician when he dies unexpectedly. They had been married for reasons of friendship and convenience to be his next of kin. She loved him dearly but he was gay and when his boyfriend Phan passed away she helped care for Parsifal in his battle with cancer.
However, Parsifal’s death reveals parts of his life she had never known about - a whole other family which has a profound effect on her life.
Review: I was lured in by the title but stayed for the characters. It is unusual in that there are no chapters as such the book is in two parts divided by location and normally that would annoy me; and not a whole lot happens really, this isn’t a book of adventure or excitement but you are just drawn in and the narrative pulls you along.
I found myself really liking the characters of Sabine - kind, lost, and lonely, gentle thoughtful Phan, enigmatic Parsifal with the past he walked away from and is slowly peeled back. His secret past which at first causes Sabine some prickly awkward moments but soon opens a future she had never even contemplated.
Highly recommend.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Domestic abuse, Medical content, Physical abuse, Terminal illness, and Violence
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