A review by gifted_and_broken
Gifted & Talented by Olivie Blake

dark emotional funny reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

THIS BOOK.

Don't mistake the amount of time I spent reading this book for me hating it... I was just too attached to let go. OMG I LOVE THEM ALL. Especially Meredith. Always Meredith. My sweet baby Meredith.

Ok, onto the actual book, It was so beautiful. I don't think I can say that enough. Unlike Meredith's app chirp,  The tagline of the book does not lie, at least for me. The book did make me happy. It also made me want to cry (I don't actually sob, but it almost happens. Edit: scratch that, I just started bawling into my hands while writing this.). It also made me mad, and excited, and a whole bunch of other feelings too. 

Do NOT mistake this book for a Fantasy. I knowwww the description says the three Wren's are magically gifted, but their powers are BARELY if at all talked about. It's more a literary study type of book than anything, but as a avid Fantasy reader, it's a good book. It did take me out of my comfort zone, definitely, but still a good book.

As a youngest daughter, I related to Eilidh a lot (picture another stream of tears coming down my face as I write this part). The hushed whispers between your other siblings you'd never get, being the last sibling to hate your parent and the others resenting you for it, wanting so badly to be loved by ONE. ONE person. I think that was an occuring theme in this book, wanting to be loved.

I expected the twist, but that didn't make Lou's appearance any less meaningful, especially in the last chapters. And the way she talked about Monster (Arthur Jr.?) I could tell Olivie's motherhood just seeped through there. Another reason for me to sob.

The ending for a lot of characters made me cry, but especially Meredith and Lou. That last hug in the car, Meredith sobbing in Lou's arms. I will forever be a Merlou truther. God. And Arthur, my sweet Arthur. I'm so happy he found love, even if it's a little unconventional.

ALSO, LOU TELLING MEREDITH HER APP DOES WROK. THE THING SHE'S WANTED SOMEONE TO TELL HER FOR YEARS. THAT LITTLE REASSURANCE. MY SWEETHEARTS!!!

Overall, this was one of Olivie's best works and I will never forget it as long as I live. My sweet birdies </3. (Saying goodbye to this book hurts so good)
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