margot23reads 's review for:

Still Life by Sarah Winman

DID NOT FINISH: 80%

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I can see why some people love this book, and that was enough to keep me turning the first 350 pages.  But this book strikes me as a 450-page charm offensive.  We are supposed to be  charmed by the descriptions of Florence, charmed by the large and loving cast of characters, charmed by all the whimsy like talking trees and endless twists of fate bringing these characters together and apart.  The reviews are proof that most readers were charmed.  I honestly wish I was one of them, but I've given this one enough time to know that I am not and will not be.  The whole experience felt like dessert for dinner.  And that is something that might sound nice but just doesn't go down well.