lucasgarner 's review for:

A Little Hope by Ethan Joella

2.0

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Author Joella spends so much of this book trying to set you up for an emotional payoff that he ultimately forgets that he is still a storyteller. This book is the depression equivalent of a comedian who only tells punchlines, there is little to no breathing room to be found here, and it does the novel no favors. Also, everyone in this book is so white and straight (except for Ahmed, arguably the blandest character in the book), which is exceptionally disappointing for a novel with such a large cast. I understand what A Little Hope is trying to do, and I think the novel is ultimately competent, it’s just a shame it drags you kicking and screaming to finish line with no time to let the world around the (boring) characters come alive.