Reviews

Pauvres Petits Chagrins by Paul Gagné, Miriam Toews, Lori Saint-Martin

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

tashaseegmiller's review against another edition

5.0

Heartbreaking. Brilliant. So very lovely. Candid conversation about when it may be kinder to let someone go. Not sure what the answer is but loved the conversation.

gabie_east's review against another edition

dark emotional funny 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

4.0

I like how Toews' books are semi-autobiographical, and that there are similar themes discussed between them. She depicts a heartbreaking and real struggle with mental health and how that can affect a family. All the characters were delightful and loveable. I enjoyed reading this thouroughly.

aligra77's review against another edition

3.0

Although well written I struggled to find empathy for the characters in this book.

pollyb23's review against another edition

5.0

This book was so good but so sad. I feel the need to read a fluffy love story now.

brookebuonauro's review against another edition

5.0

Tremendous!!!!! Miriam Toews captured caring for chronically ill family members with so much humor and honesty… a new fave 4 sure.

amyrhoda's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book was intense, and I related way too hard to the main character: a midlife fuckup always rushing out west to look after family members and trying to figure out herself and life at the same time. But she's lovely, though, and it made me think there's hope for me too. 

Miriam Toews doesn't disappoint when it comes to writing wonderful, real, funny characters.

beanpod's review against another edition

5.0

So beautiful. So painful. I loves the lit references, the beautiful depiction of familial relationships and commitment. Sometimes I laughed out loud, mostly I read silently, devouring this book. The rest of the time I cried.

narolaz's review against another edition

dark emotional funny 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

4.0