Reviews tagging 'Fatphobia'

The Library of Lost and Found by Phaedra Patrick

4 reviews

cheye13's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted 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

3.0

I don't know why, but I expected a slower, more morose literary fiction instead of the wonderful whimsical mystery/adventure this story became. There are some heavy topics - life is not without ups and downs - but it was generally just a pleasant little read.

I will say, this is likely not for mystery readers. The foreshadowing is rather direct, so any "twists" are likely predictable, particularly if you're used to puzzling them out yourself. But that wasn't a problem for me, and I enjoyed witnessing Martha grow as a person and come to better understand herself and her family. Not a lot of meat on the bones of the story, but if you're in the market for British Whimsy, this one will likely serve you well.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Emotional abuse and Infidelity

Moderate: Pregnancy, Death of parent, Body shaming, Cancer, and Death

Minor: Fatphobia, Infidelity, and Homophobia

includes: mentions of a past mass drowning during a fishing accident/storm; detailed scene of near-drowning; numerous instances of fatal illnesses and caring for aging relatives; detailed scenes of a father/husband manipulating and controlling the family

theonlybaillie's review

emotional hopeful inspiring sad medium-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

4.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Cancer, Sexism, Terminal illness, Toxic friendship, and Toxic relationship

Moderate: Abandonment, Biphobia, Lesbophobia, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Grief

Minor: Infidelity, Fatphobia, and Pregnancy

bexi's review against another edition

emotional hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective sad 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

3.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death of parent and Toxic relationship

Moderate: Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Grief, Pregnancy, and Terminal illness

Minor: Alcohol, Gaslighting, Misogyny, and Suicidal thoughts

stormywolf's review

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective 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

4.5

 I had utterly no clue what this book was about. Basically, I needed a book recommended on BookBub for a reading challenge, and I found this on a list of books that featured libraries and bookstores. I thought the summary made it sound light, mysterious, and kinda cozy. Little did I know just what I was in for...

Read my full review at The Wolf's Den

Overall, this story devastated me but in the best way possible. I went in mostly unassuming, with it not being in my typical genres or demographic, and was utterly blindsided with how much I related to these characters and their doubts, their fears, their regrets, and their struggles. But by the same token, as they were built back up with changes and support, I too came out the other side with a feeling of reassurance and hope. The literary lean didn't hurt things either. I'd highly recommend this for anyone looking for something about later-life changes, self-discovery, self-improvement, family drama and reconciliation, or the importance of love, support, and moving forward. So for anyone who is feeling a bit lost right now—let's face it, there are plenty of us—you might just find a little bit of comfort within this book's pages. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, and Terminal illness

Moderate: Death, Body shaming, Alcohol, and Grief

Minor: Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Fatphobia, Cancer, and Lesbophobia