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A review by humblesoup
Oh Dear Silvia by Dawn French
dark
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I loved learning about the protagonist from the views of the people visiting her in the hospital, it was a charming plot device and worked well in twisting a mysterious tale about the life and struggles of Silvia.
I know some people struggled with reading the dialectic language, but getting to hear it as part of a full-cast audiobook was a real treat. I did get frustrated with certain aspects and characters, but had a good giggle a few times throughout.
I went into this book expecting belly laughs, like I had while reading French's "A Tiny Bit Marvelous" some years ago, and was initially slightly disappointed at this books markedly more somber tone, but once I adjusted to the new tone, it was a nice relaxing read and listen overall. I had a good, cathartic cry at the end as it related to a personal experience, but generally helped me handle grief in a new light.
Warning - This book contains lots of talk about health, a loved one being in a coma, along with discussions death, abuse, substance abuse, neglect and war. There are also mentions of racism and has one or two uses of outdated language in discussing other races and religions.
I know some people struggled with reading the dialectic language, but getting to hear it as part of a full-cast audiobook was a real treat. I did get frustrated with certain aspects and characters, but had a good giggle a few times throughout.
I went into this book expecting belly laughs, like I had while reading French's "A Tiny Bit Marvelous" some years ago, and was initially slightly disappointed at this books markedly more somber tone, but once I adjusted to the new tone, it was a nice relaxing read and listen overall. I had a good, cathartic cry at the end as it related to a personal experience, but generally helped me handle grief in a new light.
Warning - This book contains lots of talk about health, a loved one being in a coma, along with discussions death, abuse, substance abuse, neglect and war. There are also mentions of racism and has one or two uses of outdated language in discussing other races and religions.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Grief, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Death of parent, Murder, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, and War
Minor: Bullying, Racial slurs, Violence, Forced institutionalization, and Toxic friendship