A review by mena_reads
All's Well by Mona Awad

medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I think there’s something to be said here about the medical field often ignoring or diminishing female pain…So what is it? I’m going to have to read this 20 times before I can complete that thesis but there’s something in here for sure!

The main character, Miranda, reminded me of a darker, less likeable Fleabag. There’s a lot of dark humour, but not much to root for with her. Miranda suffers with an inexplicable, chronic pain that can be felt through the page. You carry that burden with her throughout the first half of the book and it can get pretty exhausting, but I think that speaks to the author’s merits rather than making this an unenjoyable read. Definitely not for everyone but I love it.

I truly believe Mona Awad is a master of her craft. Bunny is one of my favourite books of all time and I will read anything Awad puts out. All’s Well is quite similar in that you are placed in this surrealist world that leaves you with lots of questions and not necessarily a lot of answers, but that’s the beauty of it. Both novels showcase Awad’s incredible talent, so I definitely recommend them, especially in a bookclub scenario seeing as there is a lot to talk about!!

I really wished I had read All’s Well That Ends Well before this, so I could try and catch more Shakespearean allegories but alas! Next time. ;-)
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