A review by thatgirlearlreads
Barbara Isn't Dying by Alina Bronsky

emotional funny reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

A book about a grumpy old man who has benefitted from traditional gender roles his whole life. He has to pull himself together and grow a bit after his wife becomes diagnosed with an undisclosed terminal illness.

Walter Schmidt is not a good person: rude, set in his ways, bigot, but Alina Bronksy has a way of making you feel for him slightly through the very subtle changes and challenges for him along the way. The nuance of all the characters from his children to the side characters around town all had such personality and recognized Walter for what he was while also seeing him for what else he is - human. 

Such a turn and knot of emotions with this one. Didn't care for the abrupt ending, but I think I can see why it was done.