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catucousi's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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
4.0
jennyluwho's review against another edition
3.0
The writing is very good.
The subject matter depressing.
I found the story not worth telling, which probably makes me heartless since I think there’s a semi-autobiographical tie to the author’s sister.
The subject matter depressing.
I found the story not worth telling, which probably makes me heartless since I think there’s a semi-autobiographical tie to the author’s sister.
bibi003's review against another edition
4.0
I listened to this on audiobook and the narrator was wonderful.
Miriam Toews is pure magic when it comes to breaking my heart and putting it back together all in one swift movement. She is one of my favourite Canadian authors. The sense of place is strong in this novel, set between a small Manitoba Mennonite community, Winnipeg and Toronto.
Yoli's voice is strong and true. Self-reflective, honest, despairing, courageous. Never self-pitying. This novel made me feel so many feelings. I cried (a lot). I laughed. I felt like I was in conversation with a close friend.
I did some research on Toews herself and discovered that she lost her own father and sister to suicide. This novel reads like cathartic letter to a lost love.
Miriam Toews is pure magic when it comes to breaking my heart and putting it back together all in one swift movement. She is one of my favourite Canadian authors. The sense of place is strong in this novel, set between a small Manitoba Mennonite community, Winnipeg and Toronto.
Yoli's voice is strong and true. Self-reflective, honest, despairing, courageous. Never self-pitying. This novel made me feel so many feelings. I cried (a lot). I laughed. I felt like I was in conversation with a close friend.
I did some research on Toews herself and discovered that she lost her own father and sister to suicide. This novel reads like cathartic letter to a lost love.
sejpotsmom's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
abbiehelena's review against another edition
5.0
From my family’s Mennonite background to my personal experience living with chronic suicidal ideation, this book means everything to me.
kalio's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
leighlucas's review against another edition
5.0
"The story, he said, it should just move really fast, like pedal to the metal, so it doesn't get boring. Plus it's hard to write, right? You want to go in, get the job done, and get out. Like when I worked for Renee's septic tank cleaning.
I considered this and realized it was the best writing advice I'd received in years. In all my life."
I considered this and realized it was the best writing advice I'd received in years. In all my life."
chrisramos_readingrecord_2024's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
mikayla02's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
slow-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
3.5