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goldensolace's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
hbode's review against another edition
reflective
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
3.0
ondbookshelf's review
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
happyglowlucky's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this book. First off, I love the decade it's set in (the 50s), and I have a thing for anything southern (it's set in Texas), so I was off to a good start before I even cracked the book open! But when I did open it, it didn't dissapoint. The characters were vivid, and alive, and the pace of the book was good - nice, and slow (and I mean that in a good way - I don't like books that rush you along too fast). Lovely writing, too. I don't want to give too much away, so I'll just say that the story is really about two friends, Joan and Cece, and that it is a lovely book about frienship....and secrets. A lovely read. Thank you!
christiek's review against another edition
I made it as far as chapter 7, and then I could not stand to spend one more second with our narrator. Cece is boring and clingy. I can see why Joan is done with her. I was as well. While I wanted to know Joan's story, I would have much prefered to hear about it from her.
stephjones71's review against another edition
4.0
Listened to on Audible, easy listen and enjoyable although slightly cliched story of the world of glamorous 1950s socialites
cde10's review against another edition
3.0
Joan and Cece were childhood friends growing up in Texas. A tragedy brought them closer. They are now housewives in 1950s Houston, but their lives have taken very different paths. Joan is the unmarried, wild, belle of the ball. Cece is the rule follower, who thrives when Joan throws her even the slightest bone of attention. Then in 1957, everything in their dynamic changed.
I enjoyed this book, but gave it three stars because it was way too repetitive. After about the 5th passage of Cece waxing on about not getting Joan’s attention you start to wonder how much longer before the book reaches a point. I guessed the “twist” early on, which may have been another reason I really wanted the book to get to the point.
I enjoyed this book, but gave it three stars because it was way too repetitive. After about the 5th passage of Cece waxing on about not getting Joan’s attention you start to wonder how much longer before the book reaches a point. I guessed the “twist” early on, which may have been another reason I really wanted the book to get to the point.
jessmed3's review against another edition
2.0
What a whole bunch of "meh." I'd give it one star except the author is talented and can tell a story. Unfortunately, not much story to tell here. Very rich Houston social scene in 1950s, Cece Buchanan narrates the story of her life with her best friend, the beautiful queen bee, Joan Fortier. I'm not sure if the reader is supposed to be rooting for this unhealthy, codependent "friendship" but it's never clear to me what I would hope to happen. And really, uh, nothing does happen...the entire book.