Reviews

The Making of Us by Lisa Jewell

mmarlborough's review against another edition

emotional reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

Welp we’ve finally reached a Lisa Jewell book in her backlist that I didn’t love. 

Daniel is dying and looking back on his life, regretting that he’s never met his children that came to be after his sperm donations. All three of them have their own struggles but things begin to change when they finally connect. 

I really liked the premise of this book - how unique to come to know your siblings later in life with these circumstances. And Jewell writes family dynamics so well! I think it missed the mark in its pacing and structure- there were a few too many points of view to fully care about anyone and it felt like it dragged in the middle. I didn’t hate this by any means but it’s my least favorite Jewell that I’ve read (I’m currently at 10/22, so expect more Jewell backlist reviews coming up!) 

✨Content Warnings: Child Death, Death of a Parent, Infertility, Grief, Pregnancy, Cancer, Domestic Abuse

amylikestoread's review against another edition

1.0

dnf'ed about halfway through

fagankelli's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

rae5tar's review against another edition

reflective sad

• Loveable characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I’m not as into books where the characters are very close to real life (ie, regular people working regular jobs, having a pint at the bar and feeling depressed). I prefer to read a book to escape, and when the characters are so normal and you can see them making mistakes and you’re wishing you could talk to them and prevent them from making the mistakes, it’s like drama I don’t need in my life lol. 

latinabibliophile's review against another edition

emotional hopeful mysterious sad medium-paced

4.5

mikewa14's review against another edition

emotional hopeful slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

calliealldredge's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

lifethroughamicroscope's review against another edition

emotional funny reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

Beautiful wholesome book, I did cry at the end but the book was a absolutely beautifully written book that’s has charm, makes you laugh but also makes you feel warm and grateful for life 

bfrance99's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was a lovely, heartwarming story about three adults struggling with their place in life, coming together due to their sperm donor father. With themes of family, friendship and identity, it was a well-written, easy read after two heavier fantasy books. While I prefer Lisa Jewell’s more recent thrillers, her older contemporary dramas are still worth reading. 

beksbal's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective medium-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

3.25