classyklassen's review against another edition
4.75
wow this was great! i didn't realise that this was one of those books that weaves in and out following different characters that are all semi-connected when I first began and I'm glad I didn't cause I usually hate those stories for no reason and I might not have picked it up. I'm so so glad that I kept with it despite not liking the format because I actually really really enjoyed it and hearing the different perspectives of the other characters really enhanced the story!!! i think because we spent such long chapters with each character and their story progresses passed their own chapter this was very satisfying for me to read. i can't think of more to say but I may edit this post with more thoughts because wow!! i just want to discuss this book with someone via voicenotes because I think that's what this book deserves, if I ever end up starting a book club I think this will be my first pick!
joyxvxl's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
yveeruth's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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
4.0
bethsmout's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
bananattea's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-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
4.75
mary_beth's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
books_coffees_wines's review against another edition
4.0
“Two parts contentment, one part desire. It seemed a good formula for living, though one she had not mastered yet”.
This book was such a pleasant surprise. It got me out of a reading slump and was an enjoyable read!
I have to admit I picked it up partially because I liked the cover and didn’t know much about the book. I’m so impressed that this is a debut, I look forward to reading what Mellors’ writes next!
Her writing is engaging, many of the characters are flawed, yet by the end, I felt they were becoming likeable as we start to understand them. I adored Eleanor and found myself laughing out loud at some of her dialogue with Frank. I loved the puns and the random facts.
Although the book centres around Cleo and Frank’s complicated marriage, we also get to see how other characters view their relationship from the outside.
Despite being humorous, it also covers some serious topics such as depression, suicide, loneliness, grief, trauma and addiction. It shows us how anyone can be lonely - even if they are surrounded by people. It also highlights that you never know what is going on in someone’s life or relationship, despite how it appears from the outside.
“We break. We put ourselves back together. The cracks are the best part. You don’t have to hide them.”
A brilliant book that I recommend. It is clever and funny, I also liked how it ended. This is a book that lived up to the hype for me.
4.5 ⭐️
This book was such a pleasant surprise. It got me out of a reading slump and was an enjoyable read!
I have to admit I picked it up partially because I liked the cover and didn’t know much about the book. I’m so impressed that this is a debut, I look forward to reading what Mellors’ writes next!
Her writing is engaging, many of the characters are flawed, yet by the end, I felt they were becoming likeable as we start to understand them. I adored Eleanor and found myself laughing out loud at some of her dialogue with Frank. I loved the puns and the random facts.
Although the book centres around Cleo and Frank’s complicated marriage, we also get to see how other characters view their relationship from the outside.
Despite being humorous, it also covers some serious topics such as depression, suicide, loneliness, grief, trauma and addiction. It shows us how anyone can be lonely - even if they are surrounded by people. It also highlights that you never know what is going on in someone’s life or relationship, despite how it appears from the outside.
“We break. We put ourselves back together. The cracks are the best part. You don’t have to hide them.”
A brilliant book that I recommend. It is clever and funny, I also liked how it ended. This is a book that lived up to the hype for me.
4.5 ⭐️
ronjabri's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-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
5.0
verafey's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
4.5
laurensmith_23's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-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
5.0