A review by shanaepraystoo
20 years of Separation by Shey Marie

fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

I got 20 Years of Separation by Shey Marie through BRAE, a Black literary event designed to promote Black literature. Unfortunately, 20 Years of Separation had a better synopsis than book. I was more intrigued by the idea of the book, but the execution isn't there for me. 

  • There are inconsistencies within the story.  For example, the FMC, Shadeur, is a 41 year old woman who was drinking Casamigos in her 20s. How? The Casamigos brand is only 11 years old. Do some research when you're exploring "period pieces" in your books.
  • There's very little exploration of the relationship between the MMC Phendi and his best friend/FMC's husband Trendt. The author made this a focal point of the story that actually affects Phendi's reconnection with Shadeur, yet there's no information about their bond or how they connected.
  • The affair between Jagger and Shadeur was poorly written and didn't advance the story at all. 
  • The sex scenes are so boring the book could've been closed door and you wouldn't have known any different.
I just didn't like this book and I don't recommend it. 
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