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caromecha's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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? It's complicated
3.0
igel80's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
betsyfunbus's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
Enjoyable. Not one of her best - it was a bit twee especially towards the end and not complex enough maybe. Wanted more about Hong Kong, and more about the sisters’ trauma.
M o’F is a reliably good storyteller though. This has helped me get back into reading after feeling quite stuck.
M o’F is a reliably good storyteller though. This has helped me get back into reading after feeling quite stuck.
aliciaallen's review against another edition
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
angelaclarke84's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Took me a bit to get into this book, couldn't quite get into the writing style at first. But once I was about 1/4 way through I started to really enjoy it. Didn't think the relationship was built up enough between 2 main characters.
gracekeltner's review against another edition
3.0
Sooooo average and predictable :/ not bad bc it’s maggie but like not good
fizreads's review against another edition
4.0
Popsugar reading challenge- A book with a reflected image on the cover or 'mirror' in the title. My 28th out of 50 books for the reading challenge I really want to do it this year because last year I didn't complete all 50 so I am determined to do it this year.
This book, where do I start. Okay so first of all I will start with it kind of gave me vibes of The Vanishing Half by @britrbennett not because the m/c shares the same name but because of the similar plot. Running away to hide from something you don't want to confront. But as I read on this obviously was different. I am intrigued though if @britrbennett was inspired by this book. Also have too mention they are both very different books.
Okay so the book is about on a cold February afternoon, Stella catches sight of a man she hasn't seen for many years, but instantly recognises. Or thinks she does. At the same moment on the other side of the globe, in the middle of a crowd of Chinese New Year revellers, Jake realises that things are becoming dangerous.
They know nothing of one another's existence, but both Stella and Jake flee their lives: Jake in search of a place so remote it doesn't appear on any map, and Stella for a destination in Scotland, the significance of which only her sister, Nina, will understand.
The plot is in both Jake and Stella's p.o.v and it is kind of distracting because it is not written in chapters but you get used to it. I love O'Farrell's writing so intricate, so cleverly written so beautiful. It was a book that was tense and unable to put down but do have to say it being classed as a 'mystery' I wouldn't agree as I would say it's more of a contemporary dysfunctional family novel. Would I recommend? Abso-friking-lutely 4.5*
This book, where do I start. Okay so first of all I will start with it kind of gave me vibes of The Vanishing Half by @britrbennett not because the m/c shares the same name but because of the similar plot. Running away to hide from something you don't want to confront. But as I read on this obviously was different. I am intrigued though if @britrbennett was inspired by this book. Also have too mention they are both very different books.
Okay so the book is about on a cold February afternoon, Stella catches sight of a man she hasn't seen for many years, but instantly recognises. Or thinks she does. At the same moment on the other side of the globe, in the middle of a crowd of Chinese New Year revellers, Jake realises that things are becoming dangerous.
They know nothing of one another's existence, but both Stella and Jake flee their lives: Jake in search of a place so remote it doesn't appear on any map, and Stella for a destination in Scotland, the significance of which only her sister, Nina, will understand.
The plot is in both Jake and Stella's p.o.v and it is kind of distracting because it is not written in chapters but you get used to it. I love O'Farrell's writing so intricate, so cleverly written so beautiful. It was a book that was tense and unable to put down but do have to say it being classed as a 'mystery' I wouldn't agree as I would say it's more of a contemporary dysfunctional family novel. Would I recommend? Abso-friking-lutely 4.5*
alicemc25's review against another edition
3.0
In some ways gripping, in other ways not at all? I struggled to get that invested and the plot felt a bit too extreme and unrealistically romantised. I would definitely recommend some of her other books (which I loved) over this one.