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bobthebookerer's review
5.0
This book is deceptively short, and even the 130-40 page count belies the very short chapters and sections that make up this book. But it truly packs a punch.
We are introduced at first to small scenes which almost read like short stories or bits of flash fiction, but we soon start to see how they are connected, telling a heartbreaking story of a family's lives as they deal with the fallout of failing physical and cognitive decline.
There are some beautiful passages that sweep in to meditate on what it means to remember or forget, and then sweep out again just as quickly as they came, giving way to an observation on the absurdity of the role reversal where a parent is being tended to by their children.
Although I tore through this and read it in what felt like no time at all, some of the images from it have lingered in my mind since.
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
We are introduced at first to small scenes which almost read like short stories or bits of flash fiction, but we soon start to see how they are connected, telling a heartbreaking story of a family's lives as they deal with the fallout of failing physical and cognitive decline.
There are some beautiful passages that sweep in to meditate on what it means to remember or forget, and then sweep out again just as quickly as they came, giving way to an observation on the absurdity of the role reversal where a parent is being tended to by their children.
Although I tore through this and read it in what felt like no time at all, some of the images from it have lingered in my mind since.
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
i_b_anoud's review
5.0
In this well crafted novella, we follow Frank's life as the narrative goes back and forth in time, we "see" short glimpses of his life from childhood till death. Told from the point of view of Frank and his family members in snapshot chapters.
The quote on the back of the cover said, "Gut-wrenching, heartwarming..." and I only hope if you read it, you get to the ending intact. I will leave the storyline as vague as I can and hope you will trust me on this one and read it. In only 130 pages, this story will test you and will break you, I'll put money on that.
I was glued to this book, though it tortured me, I wanted to read read read and afterward snuggle inside a warm blanket and cry.
Instent 5 ⭐ rating from me.
Content warnings : infidelity, dementia, terminal illness.
The quote on the back of the cover said, "Gut-wrenching, heartwarming..." and I only hope if you read it, you get to the ending intact. I will leave the storyline as vague as I can and hope you will trust me on this one and read it. In only 130 pages, this story will test you and will break you, I'll put money on that.
I was glued to this book, though it tortured me, I wanted to read read read and afterward snuggle inside a warm blanket and cry.
Instent 5 ⭐ rating from me.
Content warnings : infidelity, dementia, terminal illness.
thatclaregirl's review
challenging
dark
emotional
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
4.0
raeleaverrahman's review
5.0
Read this on a train journey in 40 minutes as I was completely hooked from the start a beautiful novella in flash about the true meaning of Til Death. Highly recommended.
eggcellent_reads's review
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
umbrellaladyreads's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
jgwc54e5's review
4.0
A short book,with short chapters, giving short glimpses of life. It’s easy to read and I flew threw it. The first chapter is one long sentence, stream of consciousness giving an overview in a way of the whole book. Hard to describe, as each chapter is written in a different way but it’s the story of a family, Frank, his wife Liz and their children, John and Dawn. Beautifully done, particularly the latter sections where Frank is suffering from Alzheimers.
brightwriter60's review
5.0
Only About Love is a candid and touching portrayal of family life, told in vignettes which pinpoint years of sadness and joy, hope and despair, betrayal and forgiveness. The author paints a vivid portrait with flair and precision. It is always clear which member of the family is narrating each scene of this poignant novella.
Frank is larger-than-life, deeply flawed, but also endearing. His descent into illness is heart-rending, whether shown from his own viewpoint as his grip on reality falters, or from the viewpoints of his loyal wife and devoted children. The close relationship between father and daughter is especially moving. However, the narrative never becomes mawkish, retaining its strong seam of humour and warmth throughout.
Frank is larger-than-life, deeply flawed, but also endearing. His descent into illness is heart-rending, whether shown from his own viewpoint as his grip on reality falters, or from the viewpoints of his loyal wife and devoted children. The close relationship between father and daughter is especially moving. However, the narrative never becomes mawkish, retaining its strong seam of humour and warmth throughout.
kellywa2711's review
4.0
"Only About Love" is a novella written by Debbi Voisey. I was unsure what to expect when I first read the blurb, but quickly became entranced with the writing style and story unfolding.
The story follows the life of Frank, a regular man with a nuclear family. Each chapter is brief (1-2 pages), and from the perspective of Frank or one of his family members. Often jumping through time and back again, this story reflects on love, marriage, father-daughter relationships, mistakes, communication, illness, and forgiveness. The first chapter was told in a stream of consciousness, which initially I found a bit off-putting. However, within the context of the plot, it was key to understanding Frank.
I would recommend this book for those who like Kurt Vonnegut's writing style. Although not as bizarre in content (no space zoos in this novella!), the travelling forwards and backwards through time was a clever mechanism to convey Frank's state of mind and wellbeing. The novella was touching in how it conveyed the closeness of Frank's relationship with his daughter over time. And overall, how love is in the small moments, the everyday rituals, and the memories of those around us.
Thank you to Fairlight Books and NetGalley for sending me an advanced copy to read in exchange for an honest review! "Only About Love" will be published in March, 2022.
The story follows the life of Frank, a regular man with a nuclear family. Each chapter is brief (1-2 pages), and from the perspective of Frank or one of his family members. Often jumping through time and back again, this story reflects on love, marriage, father-daughter relationships, mistakes, communication, illness, and forgiveness. The first chapter was told in a stream of consciousness, which initially I found a bit off-putting. However, within the context of the plot, it was key to understanding Frank.
I would recommend this book for those who like Kurt Vonnegut's writing style. Although not as bizarre in content (no space zoos in this novella!), the travelling forwards and backwards through time was a clever mechanism to convey Frank's state of mind and wellbeing. The novella was touching in how it conveyed the closeness of Frank's relationship with his daughter over time. And overall, how love is in the small moments, the everyday rituals, and the memories of those around us.
Thank you to Fairlight Books and NetGalley for sending me an advanced copy to read in exchange for an honest review! "Only About Love" will be published in March, 2022.