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cecilialau_'s review against another edition
4.5
I really appreciate and enjoy the Northern Irish voice (dialogue and setting).
It’s been marketed with references to Derry Girls which I don’t see as noteworthy beyond the Northern Irish setting and the Troubles - and it’s not YA, but I get the desire from the publishers to do so (I just don’t want ppl to be disappointed and then for that to take away from this wonderful book). And yes, Majella shares some characteristics with Eleanor Oliphant (…is Completely Fine), but I still think this book stands on its own.
- Just want to add that I love all three.
Anyway, just a very good read imo
It’s been marketed with references to Derry Girls which I don’t see as noteworthy beyond the Northern Irish setting and the Troubles - and it’s not YA, but I get the desire from the publishers to do so (I just don’t want ppl to be disappointed and then for that to take away from this wonderful book). And yes, Majella shares some characteristics with Eleanor Oliphant (…is Completely Fine), but I still think this book stands on its own.
- Just want to add that I love all three.
Anyway, just a very good read imo
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Death, Alcohol, Abandonment, Addiction, Emotional abuse, Murder, and Pedophilia
Minor: Fatphobia, Body shaming, Eating disorder, Cursing, Grief, Medical content, and Sexual content
orchardmoon's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I liked this book, I really did, but I just wish it had said more, if that makes sense. Gallen has a wonderfully developed voice for a debut author, and I really enjoyed reading this book, but sometimes things just happened. The ending was a little disappointing, but overall it's a character-driven novel, and you stick around because you like Majella. Following her life over the course of the book was fun, and it was refreshing to hear a perspective outside of the "norm" for contemporary books. This is not a book for people who prefer plot over characters. Also, it's not particularly like "Derry Girls" other than the setting because there's not that same ensemble feel, and the family relationships are much darker. It's good to see autistic women in media, considering how underrepresented they are in overall life. I can't speak to how good the representation was (it's also not explicit but it's not difficult to infer), but from my perspective none of the usual red flags were there. Solid book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty and Animal death
Moderate: Death, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Cursing, Fatphobia, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Sexual content, and Violence
Minor: Infidelity and Pedophilia
shivane's review
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book gave me a sense of nostalgia for a life I haven't lived. The way I was sucked into Majella's world and felt each emotion that she conveyed. Truthfully, I want to keep reading about her life and what she does with the rest of her story. Every time Majella went to work in the chipper, I craved fish and chips. The night I finished this book, my roommate came home and asked me if I wanted to go to McDonald's. We went to Mickie D's and I got a filet o fish and fries to try to emulate the chipper vibes. I wish I could experience being in North Ireland. Also, to be honest, I don't really understand what quite happened with her dad or her grandmother but I stuck with the book to experience Majella's world as she asks "What can ah get chew?”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Alcohol, Cursing, and Death of parent
Moderate: Sexual content
gabriellejane's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Listened to this on audio thanks to LibroFM's ALC program for an honest review.
So honestly, I'm not sure Audio was the right format for me to read this book. I love Nicola Coughlin who narrates the book, but I thought it was so slow. Also, it felt like nothing happened. Don't know if I would have felt the same reading the physical copy.
So honestly, I'm not sure Audio was the right format for me to read this book. I love Nicola Coughlin who narrates the book, but I thought it was so slow. Also, it felt like nothing happened. Don't know if I would have felt the same reading the physical copy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Sexual content, Grief, Cursing, and Alcoholism
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