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fionarose96's review
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Medical content, and Drug abuse
judesaunders's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
ftremlett24's review
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
kyotomylove's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
jackiethomas's review
4.0
For me this is a four star for the writing, but probably not for the plot. That might say more about me, I like a juicy plot and this was gentle. It's more about the characters than any particularly dramatic things that happen to them.
The standout thing for me reading this was the main character Lisa's little brother, five year old Max. I have a five year old and Max was so true to life, he jumped off the page. All the characters were well drawn, actually, although probably Lisa, Ruby and Max more than their mother.
Overall beautiful, evocative writing perfect for curling up on a stormy Sunday.
The standout thing for me reading this was the main character Lisa's little brother, five year old Max. I have a five year old and Max was so true to life, he jumped off the page. All the characters were well drawn, actually, although probably Lisa, Ruby and Max more than their mother.
Overall beautiful, evocative writing perfect for curling up on a stormy Sunday.
claraoscura's review
5.0
My first five stars!
This is an amazing book. Short, clear, almost naked sentences so touching and meaningfull. It's one of those books where less is more.
The very first sentences draw us into the environment surrounding Lisa and into her personality. The reader is positioned just next to her while she tries to find her way in London (and life) between her estranged family, not-so-friendly friends and college. A very touching novel on how painful it can be to enter adult life.
This is an amazing book. Short, clear, almost naked sentences so touching and meaningfull. It's one of those books where less is more.
The very first sentences draw us into the environment surrounding Lisa and into her personality. The reader is positioned just next to her while she tries to find her way in London (and life) between her estranged family, not-so-friendly friends and college. A very touching novel on how painful it can be to enter adult life.
thaliasoul's review
2.0
Least favourite aspect/element of the book:
Unfortunately there is nothing much that can be said about this book...it is not very bad but it is not good at all either. Its utter inability to forward any thought-provoking thought or statement suprises me since the topic and perspective in itself holds certain potential...I just read this book a couple of days ago and can hardly remember who was in it and what they were doing...Additionally I have a creeping suspition that the book even leaves room for some heavy criticism concerning the messages it gives off...drug abuse and addiction for instance are depicted in a rather bizarre way: it is mentioned and for a short time determines where the story leads us but all in all the people in the book show a rather apathetic attitude towards it...
Favourite aspect/element of the book:
I read it within one day...so I could move on quite quickly after it.
Unfortunately there is nothing much that can be said about this book...it is not very bad but it is not good at all either. Its utter inability to forward any thought-provoking thought or statement suprises me since the topic and perspective in itself holds certain potential...I just read this book a couple of days ago and can hardly remember who was in it and what they were doing...Additionally I have a creeping suspition that the book even leaves room for some heavy criticism concerning the messages it gives off...drug abuse and addiction for instance are depicted in a rather bizarre way: it is mentioned and for a short time determines where the story leads us but all in all the people in the book show a rather apathetic attitude towards it...
Favourite aspect/element of the book:
I read it within one day...so I could move on quite quickly after it.
ratherhazy's review
4.0
Much better than I was expecting. I didn't realise that it was written so long ago or set in the '80s (I forgot to check). The main character was really endearing and you couldn't help but wish her luck.
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