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notlikethebeer's review against another edition
5.0
This is a really really tough novel that doesn't shy away from complicated or messy or difficult. However, it's also important, and nuanced, and honest, and so so good. I loved that the three siblings followed their own path in navigating grief and understanding; I also really really loved the amount of nuance that this novel allowed for. I think it took me a little while to fully figure out where the plot was going, but I'm not sure that's a bad thing- it was a slow burn in terms of themes, which feels unusual given the plot, and that's pretty interesting! Massive content note for suicide, murder and domestic abuse.
miaelizabeth13's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
fast-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
4.0
hijinx_abound's review against another edition
3.0
This book addresses really important subject matter. It started off well. The fall out in a domestic violence is not limited to the 2 main parties. This looks at what happens when kids are involved and the abuser ends up dead.
For me, this book fell apart in the middle. We start with three siblings but really only look at what happens with the middle child. I understand the need to focus on a specific character but there were three siblings and the loss of two of their stories left huge holes in the narrative. There were other holes in the plot, characters introduced and then never mentioned, the fathers job seemed a big deal then wasn’t, and a few characters seemed to only be there for one specific plot point.
For me, this book fell apart in the middle. We start with three siblings but really only look at what happens with the middle child. I understand the need to focus on a specific character but there were three siblings and the loss of two of their stories left huge holes in the narrative. There were other holes in the plot, characters introduced and then never mentioned, the fathers job seemed a big deal then wasn’t, and a few characters seemed to only be there for one specific plot point.
kstock4rd's review against another edition
3.0
daria_fox_'s review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
martinezrenuncio's review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
shiradest's review against another edition
I cannot rate this book as it hits too close to home, and I also had trouble with the contemporary setting. I simply seem not to be able to relate to contemporary realistic fiction, even when the key circumstances are the same, or very similar, to what I have survived.
hannahjones238's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
slow-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
4.75
username330's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
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