Unlikeable characters

I’d been recommended this book by my book club and had high hopes. Sadly for me it didn’t live up to expectations. The story of a family torn apart when the doted upon middle daughter dies, should have caused me empathy but I actually found the characters more and more irritating as the story went on. I felt as though I should feel sorry for the whole family as we weaved backwards and forwards in time to find out why Lydia died. But I generally found them all quite selfish and just couldn’t warm to their plight. Perhaps that was what the author intended! I did like the narrator though, her voice suited the story and characters.

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First audiobook

I really enjoyed this book, it has definitely touched my heart. It was a great first audiobook as the narrator was so easy to follow along with!

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This is the book I have been looking for

I’ve been looking for a story like this my whole life. I have a Chinese father and white mother, I relate to so many of the themes explored in this book.

I appreciate how the story is told from multiple angles and without judgement, you get to hear from each character, and you sympathise with the backstories and the challenges they face that motivate their actions. The thing I appreciated most was how she captured the families inability to connect and communicate despite their loving intentions - how something that was said would be totally misinterpreted causing events to slowly spiral. To me, this is a relatable depiction of a multi-racial household! If anything, the death of middle daughter Lydia helped them course correct in learning to speak up and honour their true feelings.

I came to this having first read Celeste Ng’s “Little Fires Everywhere” having watched the tv dramatisation. I’m looking forward to digging deeper into her work.

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Beautiful writing but truly depressing to read

Amazing writing by the author however although I don’t necessarily want to read a cheery ‘happy ever after’ story, this is honestly the most depressing story I’ve read. There is nothing appealing about the angry, bitter characters. It feels like a weight on my shoulder as I listen but I hate not finishing a book.

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Really annoyingly bad parents

I found it rather hard to believe that two intelligent, apparently decent enough people could be such awful, blind parents. This is not an enjoyable read.

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Beautifully written beautifully read

This book really touched me. It is a slow burning story of loss and it's effect on a family. Not just loss of a child but loss of a future and loss of a plan. It is beautifully written and I thoroughly enjoyed it

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Thoroughly enjoyed

Thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook and couldn't wait for the time to listen to my next instalment. It's a sensitively told story about a family in turmoil, with lots of relatable elements throughout. Well written and well told.

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A smart, sensitive page turner

Not as exquisitely plotted as Little Fires Everywhere (which is the better book) but just as engrossing and sensitively written. Her characters are always believable.

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7 people found this helpful

Good book but no light moments

Good book and story and well performed but for when you want serious book. Not light subject or content.

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Beautiful story

Its a sad one, but it is beautiful. So delicately written. Celeste Ng sure does have a way with words & perspectives, touching on so many important issues. Defo recommend if you want a story to remind you to say the things you have never said, to be true to who you are and always do you!!

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