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cassie7e 's review for:
Four Weekends and a Funeral
by Ellie Palmer
DID NOT FINISH: 70%
Initial premise seemed contrived but I was willing to roll with it. But yet another overly-anxious-about-tiny-things MC which drives me nuts. Either give me specific context for the anxiety (who in their past criticized them & why?) or give me a different conflict. I just don't find it fun to read about someone who second guesses every thought and lies about their feelings or plans all the time when its inconsequential, or when they could just COMMUNICATE and get what they WANT! The audio narrator did not help her case, as she exaggerated the squeaky defensiveness that permeated Alison's every utterance.
I also found the love interest too hallmarky and unfunny, and played as overly earnest/trying to hard to be sincere by the audio narrator, as it made him actually sound less authentic. Maybe she's just not great at male voices. I also sided with him every time Alison insisted she had to do things she hates "for character growth". I AM HERE FOR THE TRAINS MAAM, JUST LET ME SEE YOU BE EXCITED ABOUT TRAINS, AND HIM ABOUT CARPENTRY. Instead we get her going on and on about hiking and how it's good for you even if you despise every second of it.
Sadly I did not finish this to find out how they resolve the original issue of her being Sam's boyfriend even after death (what family expects this to be maintained indefinitely?) or if she ever embraces trains publicly, or how the trivia showdown goes. Maybe one day I'll pick up a physical copy to skim.
The breast cancer and mastectomy context was interesting but seemed mostly played for the "will men still find me attractive???" angle. The concerns were valid but I think they could have been incorporated and explored better.
I also found the love interest too hallmarky and unfunny, and played as overly earnest/trying to hard to be sincere by the audio narrator, as it made him actually sound less authentic. Maybe she's just not great at male voices. I also sided with him every time Alison insisted she had to do things she hates "for character growth". I AM HERE FOR THE TRAINS MAAM, JUST LET ME SEE YOU BE EXCITED ABOUT TRAINS, AND HIM ABOUT CARPENTRY. Instead we get her going on and on about hiking and how it's good for you even if you despise every second of it.
Sadly I did not finish this to find out how they resolve the original issue of her being Sam's boyfriend even after death (what family expects this to be maintained indefinitely?) or if she ever embraces trains publicly, or how the trivia showdown goes. Maybe one day I'll pick up a physical copy to skim.
The breast cancer and mastectomy context was interesting but seemed mostly played for the "will men still find me attractive???" angle. The concerns were valid but I think they could have been incorporated and explored better.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer
Minor: Death