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redreviews4you's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book kept me guessing whose wedding I was attending. Original, intriguing, and thoughtful, this story of four friends who have each others backs through thick and thin showcased what is most wonderful about female friendship. Although the lack of names or knowledge of whose wedding I was attending was irksome at first, I found this narrative style quickly grew on me because it made me feel like a fifth friend.
littlepiscesreading's review
The writing’s in third person but closes in on different characters’ perspectives at times – without always seeming in-character. ‘Token red head’ is an odd way to view your friend. Similarly the break up flashbacks all go from one to a hundred in seconds. None of the characters know how to communicate which is fine – except they all miscommunicate the exact same way.
The premise promises character driven narratives. It’s not until chapter three that Sydney becomes distinct. Even so her date with Daniel is a summary. You’re not interested in writing it, why should I be in reading it? I got to Sydney’s gran dying hours after learning mine did and felt nothing. It’s disappointing, especially as a later crisis is affective and engaging.
Structuring the story by building up repeatedly to revelations then having the characters talk about it at a later date, isn’t a style I enjoy. It wildly undercuts tension. In other circumstances, however, it utilises this style effectively, segueing naturally. And when it doesn’t tip too far, I appreciate the directness. The chapter titles are also a touch I enjoyed.
‘Most mysterious friend’ is an odd way to introduce a character. But even from the beginning, when they were least distinguishable, you knew who was who. It constantly builds their characters. And speaking of character, I usually hate when anyone not on the side of the protagonists are bad. It’s shallow. I didn’t mind here. I like that they can be nippy sweeties, and judgemental and superior. Still, the sheer not-like-other-girls of it could be painful at times.
It’s sad a book so focused on friendship tended to be most interesting when they were with their partners though. Most of the conflicts lay in other relationships and so they were fleshed out with more stakes. But it’s a quick read and compelling.
Thanks to iReadBookTours and author Kelly Smith for this review copy. I leave this review voluntarily.
The premise promises character driven narratives. It’s not until chapter three that Sydney becomes distinct. Even so her date with Daniel is a summary. You’re not interested in writing it, why should I be in reading it? I got to Sydney’s gran dying hours after learning mine did and felt nothing. It’s disappointing, especially as a later crisis is affective and engaging.
Structuring the story by building up repeatedly to revelations then having the characters talk about it at a later date, isn’t a style I enjoy. It wildly undercuts tension. In other circumstances, however, it utilises this style effectively, segueing naturally. And when it doesn’t tip too far, I appreciate the directness. The chapter titles are also a touch I enjoyed.
‘Most mysterious friend’ is an odd way to introduce a character. But even from the beginning, when they were least distinguishable, you knew who was who. It constantly builds their characters. And speaking of character, I usually hate when anyone not on the side of the protagonists are bad. It’s shallow. I didn’t mind here. I like that they can be nippy sweeties, and judgemental and superior. Still, the sheer not-like-other-girls of it could be painful at times.
It’s sad a book so focused on friendship tended to be most interesting when they were with their partners though. Most of the conflicts lay in other relationships and so they were fleshed out with more stakes. But it’s a quick read and compelling.
Thanks to iReadBookTours and author Kelly Smith for this review copy. I leave this review voluntarily.
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