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A review by iamivypark
The Other Side of Beautiful by Kim Lock
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.0
Overall this was a cheerful and uplifting read!
Lock’s own experience of anxiety is portrayed through Mercy, our protagonist and narrator. Her struggle to complete day to day tasks and her fear talking to strangers are overwhelming at the book’s opening. But over the course of the novel, we see Mercy grow, slowly turning towards her anxiety and grief. She makes some heartwarming friendships, with the kindness of strangers a beautiful part of this story. The novel was packed with humour and I loved Andy’s Scottish accent in the audiobook! Narration was great 👌🏽
It was a bit predictable and cheesy but it was a great balance with some heavier books I was reading in parallel. It felt safe, warm and cosy! A lovely summer read ☀️ I felt a similar sense of joy for Mercy’s growth as I felt for Eleanor Oliphant’s journey and can see why the comparison has been between the two books.
Lock’s own experience of anxiety is portrayed through Mercy, our protagonist and narrator. Her struggle to complete day to day tasks and her fear talking to strangers are overwhelming at the book’s opening. But over the course of the novel, we see Mercy grow, slowly turning towards her anxiety and grief. She makes some heartwarming friendships, with the kindness of strangers a beautiful part of this story. The novel was packed with humour and I loved Andy’s Scottish accent in the audiobook! Narration was great 👌🏽
It was a bit predictable and cheesy but it was a great balance with some heavier books I was reading in parallel. It felt safe, warm and cosy! A lovely summer read ☀️ I felt a similar sense of joy for Mercy’s growth as I felt for Eleanor Oliphant’s journey and can see why the comparison has been between the two books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Mental illness