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meekoh's review against another edition
4.0
Martha’s a mess. You probably gathered that much from the cover. But there is an appeal to reading about someone else’s life being in shambles. Your life may not be landing you in Time magazine, but at least you’re not as despicable as Martha.
I know she’s fictional, but it is so well written that it legitimately feels like it could be a memoir. The deadpan humour gives immaculate English vibes to even the darkest moments. Martha is an unreliable narrator because she’s such a pro at self-sabotage. I like that this forces us to be more perceptive and read between the lines.
I enjoyed it, but I don’t think this book is for everyone. It’s about struggling with your mental health and learning how to shoulder personal responsibility. It’s very reminiscent of The Bell Jar.
I know she’s fictional, but it is so well written that it legitimately feels like it could be a memoir. The deadpan humour gives immaculate English vibes to even the darkest moments. Martha is an unreliable narrator because she’s such a pro at self-sabotage. I like that this forces us to be more perceptive and read between the lines.
I enjoyed it, but I don’t think this book is for everyone. It’s about struggling with your mental health and learning how to shoulder personal responsibility. It’s very reminiscent of The Bell Jar.
leafonthewind's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
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
3.75
celinayap's review against another edition
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed the cadence of the book and the switches from past to present, third person to first was easy to follow. I like the subtle dark humor embedded in between. I like all the characters - even though we get to follow Martha's POV mainly. I like Martha, she's a true millenial at heart and maybe a Cancer? I empathize but the main dilemma which was boringly brought about towards the end of the book was just disappointing. Her character development and realizations were made in haste and felt flat. Nevertheless, I was too invested in the romance subplot that it's good favor won me in the end.
rosewolfeemery's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
shangraham's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
cdleonard's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
lovelyday2day's review against another edition
Very smart book. LOL-funny at times with a lot of sadness and emotional depth. Loved the Martha / Ingrid sister relationship the most- would love a sequel focused on Ingrid.
kira_dylan's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
bristakrown's review against another edition
4.0
Almost DNFd because it was slow moving but the quality of writing kept me going and I'm GLAD I did. The last 50 pages of this book are beautiful. Writing made me laugh, cry, and feel all the feels.