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clea's review
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The novel was written in a very clever way; I liked that the protagonist was unreliable and made many wrong and exaggerated assumptions about how people view her. Although she is a very morally grey character and makes a lot of bad and mean decisions, Awad wrote her character so well, that I could not NOT feel for her. Though some scenes made me feel uncomfortable (which was the point) and towards the ending, Miranda really started to get on my nerves, I still could fully relate to her and understand her. The depiction of chronic pain is authentic and feels very real, almost to the point that you start feeling it itself. The novel helped me understand how this kind of omnipresent pain really affects every area of a person's life, how they engage with the world around them, and even how they perceive their surroundings in a different way.
I appreciated the Shakespeare mentions/references and the deeper symbolic meanings and connections that Awad made (and I'm sure I missed a lot of them).
The reason why my rating is comparatively low is that it was not an enjoyable read, it was quite painful to be honest (but which was the point, so Awad achieved it). It made me think a lot and helped me understanding what people who suffer from chronic pain go through, but other than that, I did not really connect with the story nor the characters. I think, it was just a bit too dark (and thus very tiring) for me.
I appreciated the Shakespeare mentions/references and the deeper symbolic meanings and connections that Awad made (and I'm sure I missed a lot of them).
The reason why my rating is comparatively low is that it was not an enjoyable read, it was quite painful to be honest (but which was the point, so Awad achieved it). It made me think a lot and helped me understanding what people who suffer from chronic pain go through, but other than that, I did not really connect with the story nor the characters. I think, it was just a bit too dark (and thus very tiring) for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Violence, and Medical content
Moderate: Addiction and Sexual content
bluberrybooks's review
challenging
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I enjoyed the story writing and the story itself. The way she talks about pain and how the doctors and people around her treat her is very real. Doctors dismiss and don't really listen to their patients. They all have their own idea of chronic pain that is flawed and treat their patients horribly in different ways wheather they mean to or not. I have chronic apin and I related to doctors/ physical therapists not really understanding or not having the knowledge to help me. There were many lines that's struck me.
I loved the magic and dream sequences. It felt like a thriller, comedy, drama and realistic fiction all at once. I love the different genres combined
All's well really captures chronic pain and how ignored and overlooked it is by everyone around you even family.
Spoiler...
I love the character development even if it was small with most of the characters like Briana and how Grace apologized Miranda grew as a character as well.
This review is not well written, but I loved it overall
I loved the magic and dream sequences. It felt like a thriller, comedy, drama and realistic fiction all at once. I love the different genres combined
All's well really captures chronic pain and how ignored and overlooked it is by everyone around you even family.
Spoiler...
I love the character development even if it was small with most of the characters like Briana and how Grace apologized Miranda grew as a character as well.
This review is not well written, but I loved it overall
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Chronic illness, Drug abuse, Medical trauma, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Gaslighting, Violence, Sexual content, and Toxic friendship
bi_n_large's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness and Medical trauma
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexual content, Drug use, and Grief
Minor: Death of parent and Violence
stevie's review
dark
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Chronic illness, Death of parent, Drug abuse, Drug use, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic friendship, Violence, and Fatphobia
shannon_michelle's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
First, Mona Awad is a phenomenal writer, and I’ll definitely be picking up her other books. Second, this book weird and definitely won’t be to everyone’s taste. As a feminist and sufferer of chronic pain, this book spoke to me though. It’s a ride…expect magic and madness, tragedy and comedy, mania and depression. I have a feeling I’ll be thinking about this book for ages.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness
Moderate: Alcohol and Drug abuse
Minor: Violence
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