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hopeadinfinitum's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
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
4.25
I just don’t have words for this book right now. Exquisitely written but oh my god the tensest book I’ve ever read. Also a lot of the reviews on the cover say it’s funny? No. Heart wrenching.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Cancer, and Mental illness
Moderate: Addiction
Minor: Rape
madamelacy's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
A narcissistic ‘artist’ gaslights his wife, Lucia, an artist in her own right, and his children. I didn’t like the plethora of half-finished sentences in the dialogue because they spoilt the flow a bit for me. I found Lucia so frustrating because I just wanted her to strike out on her own. I think her reactions were credible though, after years of being demeaned and bullied.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Panic attacks/disorders, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Drug abuse and Mental illness
Minor: Violence, Cancer, and Abortion
beriboo's review
dark
funny
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is a story about a dysfunctional family, Mum, Dad and three adult children (plus a boyfriend) over the course of one weekend. Ray (dad) is an artist and a horrible narcissist who is putting on an exhibition for the first time in years. His wife, Lucia, is timid and has been emotionally abused by Ray for decades, she is carrying some secrets with her though, hoping Ray won’t find out. Their eldest daughter Leah is obsessed with her father, the youngest Jess seems to hate everyone including her boyfriend Martin. And the brother Patrick is trying to recover from a nervous breakdown but is used by Ray and floats on the outskirts of the family.
This is a strange one. None of the characters are likeable, some you pity, others you will despise. Still, I could not put this book down, I wanted to see what happened between them. Would anyone get their just deserts? Would there be some resolution.?
Throughout the story are little hints of a secret or something to come that just keeps you hooked right to the end.
This is a strange one. None of the characters are likeable, some you pity, others you will despise. Still, I could not put this book down, I wanted to see what happened between them. Would anyone get their just deserts? Would there be some resolution.?
Throughout the story are little hints of a secret or something to come that just keeps you hooked right to the end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, and Cancer
Minor: Bullying, Gaslighting, Mental illness, Abortion, Alcoholism, and Pregnancy
katewhite77's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
tense
medium-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
3.0
This is a tricky one.
For such a funny book it had such a depressing plot. None of the characters bar one are particularly likeable and he doesn't feature very much at all. The main character is a complete monster.
Like I say it was very funny in a dru sort of way and it did become gripping towards the end.
For such a funny book it had such a depressing plot. None of the characters bar one are particularly likeable and he doesn't feature very much at all. The main character is a complete monster.
Like I say it was very funny in a dru sort of way and it did become gripping towards the end.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Cancer, Toxic relationship, Abortion, Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders, Misogyny, Infidelity, and Mental illness
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