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A review by katykelly
Oh Dear Silvia by Dawn French
4.0
Reading this has increased the respect I hold for Dawn French. I never read her first book but was interested in story of her second.
I loved it. Having just finished, and thinking about the book as a whole, it is very assured and from one you might think is an experienced writer.
Each character talks to Silvia in her coma, their stories all seen from her hospital bed (including occasional clunky exposition but that can e forgiven). Silvia is not given a voice but the story is the stronger for it. As is said near the climax, "she is the pivot for them all", all their lives are changed after her coma, with her doing and saying nothing except in flashback, her situation effects her family and those close to her.
As I am meant to, I started the book feeling certain ways about several characters and slowly and with revelations suddenly found victims and their controllers were switching places, reasons for behaviours were shed light on, misconceptions were cleared. But only for the reader.
Which made the ending more poignant. One character WILL get their comeuppance. Another's selfless actions will possibly never be understood, but if so, never can be made right.
Very impressive. This really hit a nerve with me. I loved the characters and the revelations, and the writing. Well done Ms French!
I loved it. Having just finished, and thinking about the book as a whole, it is very assured and from one you might think is an experienced writer.
Each character talks to Silvia in her coma, their stories all seen from her hospital bed (including occasional clunky exposition but that can e forgiven). Silvia is not given a voice but the story is the stronger for it. As is said near the climax, "she is the pivot for them all", all their lives are changed after her coma, with her doing and saying nothing except in flashback, her situation effects her family and those close to her.
As I am meant to, I started the book feeling certain ways about several characters and slowly and with revelations suddenly found victims and their controllers were switching places, reasons for behaviours were shed light on, misconceptions were cleared. But only for the reader.
Which made the ending more poignant. One character WILL get their comeuppance. Another's selfless actions will possibly never be understood, but if so, never can be made right.
Very impressive. This really hit a nerve with me. I loved the characters and the revelations, and the writing. Well done Ms French!