ellieb_reads 's review for:

The Vulnerables by Sigrid Nunez

4.0

hopeful reflective slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

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I typically enjoy plot-driven fiction more than character-driven, but this was a really lovely book! The Vulnerables is a story about loneliness and writing, set during the beginning of the COVID pandemic. Nuñez brilliantly captures the feeling of the time and the odd things that became normal amid the uncertainty. Throughout the novel, there are quotes from famous writers that connect to reflections and observations from the narrator (who seems based on Nuñez maybe?). Not much really happens in the book, and I probably would’ve rated it lower if it had gone on for another 50 pages. But it’s a quick, emotional read, and I found myself surprisingly engaged from start to finish.