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elfaz's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Brutal
neenstahs's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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
5.0
"I have been loved every day of my adult life. I have been unbearable but I have never been unloved. I have felt alone but I have never been alone and I've been forgiven for the unforgivable things I have done."
(Not sure how I clicked both "dark" and "light hearted" for this book but I did.)
This book is about a woman named Martha who is dealing with significant mental health issues & then exploring how those issues affect those around her. It is funny, clever, devastating, thought-provoking, and has relative resolution/closure by the end.
Martha is very close with her sister Ingrid, who is hilarious. They were raised in a relatively chaotic home by a mom who drinks a lot & frequently walks out, and a father who deals with it. The mother makes sculptures out of used scraps and the father is a poet who has never actually published anything. They are able to survive because they are supported monetarily by Martha/Ingrid's aunt Winsome and her rich husband Rowland. Winsome & Rowland have a few children, one of whom (Oliver) brings a friend (Patrick) home for all holidays because Patrick doesn't really have a family. The story follows Martha & Patrick's love story, marriage, and eventual failure of that marriage, all the while following Martha's tumultuous mental health journey.
I loved all the characters. Ingrid was hilarious. Peregrine (Martha's boss from one of her jobs who was only around for a few chapters) was excellent. Martha's dad was resolute and steadfast. I loved the exploration of how Martha's mental health impacted her entire family. I loved how Martha & Ingrid were basically reflections of Martha's mom and Winsome. And Patrick was a reflection of Martha's father.
I both loved and hated Martha depending on the page/paragraph/sentence. She was infuriating but also infuriatingly relatable. I appreciated that the actual diagnosis was never named, though I understand how that could be frustrating to others. I liked that her family was both patient and stern with her. Really REALLY liked how her desire to be a mother was revealed throughout the story and when she thought it was some huge revelation everyone around her was like "ya martha we know duh" lol.
This was one of those books that made me reflect a lot and then reflect on how I was reflecting. I really enjoyed it. I didn't expect it to be a 5 star, but this feels so good after reading so many books in a row that I wanted more from.
(Not sure how I clicked both "dark" and "light hearted" for this book but I did.)
This book is about a woman named Martha who is dealing with significant mental health issues & then exploring how those issues affect those around her. It is funny, clever, devastating, thought-provoking, and has relative resolution/closure by the end.
Martha is very close with her sister Ingrid, who is hilarious. They were raised in a relatively chaotic home by a mom who drinks a lot & frequently walks out, and a father who deals with it. The mother makes sculptures out of used scraps and the father is a poet who has never actually published anything. They are able to survive because they are supported monetarily by Martha/Ingrid's aunt Winsome and her rich husband Rowland. Winsome & Rowland have a few children, one of whom (Oliver) brings a friend (Patrick) home for all holidays because Patrick doesn't really have a family. The story follows Martha & Patrick's love story, marriage, and eventual failure of that marriage, all the while following Martha's tumultuous mental health journey.
I loved all the characters. Ingrid was hilarious. Peregrine (Martha's boss from one of her jobs who was only around for a few chapters) was excellent. Martha's dad was resolute and steadfast. I loved the exploration of how Martha's mental health impacted her entire family. I loved how Martha & Ingrid were basically reflections of Martha's mom and Winsome. And Patrick was a reflection of Martha's father.
I both loved and hated Martha depending on the page/paragraph/sentence. She was infuriating but also infuriatingly relatable. I appreciated that the actual diagnosis was never named, though I understand how that could be frustrating to others. I liked that her family was both patient and stern with her. Really REALLY liked how her desire to be a mother was revealed throughout the story and when she thought it was some huge revelation everyone around her was like "ya martha we know duh" lol.
This was one of those books that made me reflect a lot and then reflect on how I was reflecting. I really enjoyed it. I didn't expect it to be a 5 star, but this feels so good after reading so many books in a row that I wanted more from.
plnjane's review against another edition
5.0
so so so wonderful. prozac nation’s beloved granddaughter
kyra_c_c's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. It was moving, funny , full of vibrant characters and acerbic reflections. Memoir-like but where all the happenings and people are dialled up to semi-unrealistic levels. Saying that, it always felt very real to me and the portrayal of depression and struggles with relationships and relating was painfully well done. Martha's relationship with her sister made me long for a sister so much! Unexpectedly, joint favourite book of the year so far!
leah_daly's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
gertymae's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
4.75
mlennox's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
mollyhyland's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
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
5.0
tiredoftyingribbons's review against another edition
5.0
i read this in one sitting and i’m still thinking about it days later. one of the most accurate portrayals of mental illness and i loved how even the smallest characters felt so well-rounded