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3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
I fell completely in love with Kay, so naturally this book broke my heart. I think what makes it so utterly devastating is that although there is a happy ending, the ending is actually the beginning, chronologically speaking. Very cleverly written.
Told in reverse - it was interesting but it didn't answer the storylines from the beginning and that was completely frustrating. It did make me contemplate people's complaints and whines during this pandemic- compared to the sacrifices of actual wartime!
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I enjoyed the reverse timeline of the story which slowly clarified unanswered questions as I went on. My enjoyment and pace of reading increased as i went along.
The description of wartime London was suitability difficult to read at times. An accurate description: brutal and honest.
For me, the female characters were all a little too similar. Waters focus seemed to be mainly on their sexual orientation rather that other aspects of their lives. I also felt that Duncan's character was a little disjointed from the others and the final part of the story somewhat rushed. Perhaps he needed a little more storytelling of his own.
Not quite a 5 star from me, but an enjoyable read.
The description of wartime London was suitability difficult to read at times. An accurate description: brutal and honest.
For me, the female characters were all a little too similar. Waters focus seemed to be mainly on their sexual orientation rather that other aspects of their lives. I also felt that Duncan's character was a little disjointed from the others and the final part of the story somewhat rushed. Perhaps he needed a little more storytelling of his own.
Not quite a 5 star from me, but an enjoyable read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Sexual content, Abortion, War
It has the signature atmosphere and haunting detail of all of Waters' work. The fact that it moves backwards in time means there are perhaps more cliffhangers at the end than you might wish, but it's a beautifully written and compelling book.
Really enjoyable read with a great story. Story was very grounded in small details about the war/post-war time period. Sometimes found the conversation a bit cringey or the writing a bit stilted/forced.
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Infidelity, Self harm, Suicide, Blood, Abortion, War
Moderate: Child death, Drug use, Homophobia, Sexual content, Vomit, Medical content, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Racial slurs, Fire/Fire injury
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated