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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
I don't want to read about child abuse.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Sexual assault
DNF at page 46.
I got to the end of chapter four. By that point, it was clear that I wasn't going to enjoy this book. Not only is the main plot in the present timeline adultery, but the past timeline also heavily features child abuse and sexual assault (from what I've read so far).
The constant flitting between past and present was jarring. The content even more so. The language was extremely flowery, which I struggle with at the best of times.
I didn't really care about the main character, or any of the other characters, and I just didn't care enough to continue with this one. If I'd known the content of this before I bought it, I would never have bought it! I wish the descriptions on the back made it clear what this was actually about, or at least gave some content warnings!
I got to the end of chapter four. By that point, it was clear that I wasn't going to enjoy this book. Not only is the main plot in the present timeline adultery, but the past timeline also heavily features child abuse and sexual assault (from what I've read so far).
The constant flitting between past and present was jarring. The content even more so. The language was extremely flowery, which I struggle with at the best of times.
I didn't really care about the main character, or any of the other characters, and I just didn't care enough to continue with this one. If I'd known the content of this before I bought it, I would never have bought it! I wish the descriptions on the back made it clear what this was actually about, or at least gave some content warnings!
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Miranda Cowley Heller is an excellent writer. She has a way of adding in details they place you right in the moment and mind of the story teller.
I throughly enjoyed this read. I didn't know how I wanted it to end but I enjoyed the journeys through the characters' lives.
I throughly enjoyed this read. I didn't know how I wanted it to end but I enjoyed the journeys through the characters' lives.
3.5/5: This book was so tragic. It was extremely descriptive which I could have done without a lot of the time. It probably would have shredded at least 100 pages off the book. And the ending was so disappointing.
adventurous
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
3.5/5
The first half of this book I didn't really like at all. I'm not a fan of cheating plot lines (read this so I could be up to date on trends for work so that's low key my own fault) and then her back story just felt too sad (it gave me A LITTLE LIFE vibes, but obviously much less traumatic, but that same borderline trauma-porny feel). I liked learning about her relationship with Peter and her sister and her mother as they got older, which bumped up the rating some. I thought the ending was an interesting way to go with the story as well. This by no means will be a memorable read for me and it was almost a solid thumbs down but saved itself.
The first half of this book I didn't really like at all. I'm not a fan of cheating plot lines (read this so I could be up to date on trends for work so that's low key my own fault) and then her back story just felt too sad (it gave me A LITTLE LIFE vibes, but obviously much less traumatic, but that same borderline trauma-porny feel). I liked learning about her relationship with Peter and her sister and her mother as they got older, which bumped up the rating some. I thought the ending was an interesting way to go with the story as well. This by no means will be a memorable read for me and it was almost a solid thumbs down but saved itself.
challenging
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Mixed feelings about this book. The prose is excellent. The beautiful prose and setting was my favourite thing about it. I was angry with the protagonist and hated the ending. I dislike ambiguous endings and I felt the author had played with my emotions as a reader - misleading me. I didn't love it, but it's a heart-wrenching read and worth your time.