Scan barcode
lchambers394's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I was really excited for this book, I actually bought it and borrowed it from the library at the same time without realising! I'm a big fan of heartwarming stories about friendship and the stories of individuals coming together to make a community. That's what I was expecting from this book and that what I was so excited to read. Therefore I was surprised at how gloomy and negative it felt at times. There were moments of kindness and hope and growth and I enjoyed them, but it didn't feel at all like the uplifting story I had been sold - twice! It left me feeling somewhat unfulfilled, the tone brought down by every character suffering. There was a conversation that was built up and built up and just didn't happen, and I think that was one of the reasons the ending felt unresolved and not positive and hopeful. Now that my main criticism is out of the way, there are also lots of things that I would love to praise! I really enjoyed the concept, and felt that it was mostly carried out well! I liked the way it climaxed in the middle, with each adjacent half mirroring the other. Returning key characters greatly benefitted the narrative, as did the parallel moments of reflection for Mona and Hannah. Speaking of the two main characters, their friendship and strength as individuals were by far the best parts of the book. It was interesting and emotive to hear the situation from both sides, and the miscommunications between the pair were heartbreaking. I just wanted to lock them in a room together so they could talk it through (which is why it was so disappointing when this conversation never occurred!!!) I did enjoy this book, but I would have liked it to have been a lot more than it was, unfortunately. Nonetheless, perhaps someone less of a hopeless optimist than me would love it!!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness, Deportation, Eating disorder, and Cancer
charlotte_helen's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
What a lovely story. The plot, style of writing and characters are all brilliant. Whilst not much actually happens within the book in terms of storyline, the way it is written within a singular 24 hour period, capturing snippets of many customers lives and focusing on the character development of the two main characters who are waitresses, it is an excellent read. I am very nosy and a people watcher so can really relate to this story as it shows how very different peoples lives and situations can be whilst they are at the same cafe, at the exact same time of day or night.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Eating disorder, and Mental illness
Minor: Deportation, Grief, and Gaslighting
More...