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bibi003's review
4.0
This was a beautiful novel. 3.5 stars, rounded up for the good feelings it gave me at the end. I listened to the audiobook, which was narrated by Tom Hanks. It made it sort of impossible not to experience the story as a movie in my mind with him playing the lead role, but I'm ok with that. It does make me wonder how the book would have felt had I read it, though.
This is not a plot-driven novel. It is all about the characters and their relationships. The strength of siblings Danny and Maeve's bond is central to the story, as they cling to each other for 5 decades after their mother leaves their childhood home, their father dies and their step-mother disowns them and casts them out of their home. They grow up supporting, challenging, and protecting one another, bound by their shared grief and outrage at their misfortune.
Considering all the ways that these two commiserate over their great losses, the book has refreshingly light-hearted feel to it. And it had a really nice ending.
This is not a plot-driven novel. It is all about the characters and their relationships. The strength of siblings Danny and Maeve's bond is central to the story, as they cling to each other for 5 decades after their mother leaves their childhood home, their father dies and their step-mother disowns them and casts them out of their home. They grow up supporting, challenging, and protecting one another, bound by their shared grief and outrage at their misfortune.
Considering all the ways that these two commiserate over their great losses, the book has refreshingly light-hearted feel to it. And it had a really nice ending.
avieherman's review
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Slow and understated but enjoyable and deep read. Sped up and got more interesting as it went on. Enjoyed it.
rasmustache's review
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
erowe749's review
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
tashanslone's review
3.0
An absorbing read. Author bring two children to life in this tell. You see them struggle against abandonment, rejection and overcome their past. Wonderfully written.
amandareads70's review against another edition
slow-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? Yes
3.0
amymarchlawrence's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
nursays's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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? It's complicated
5.0