This book needed a trigger warning

I was hoping for a romantic coming of age story, with family drama and conflict. But there is an entire section of this story that I could have done without hearing in so much disturbing detail. What happens in this story is just awful, and I wish that this book had a trigger warning for sexual violence, which is what some online and radio programs offer viewers/listeners. If I had known this story was going where it went I would never have listened to it. However, the narration is strong, and engaging. The overarching story is good enough to have kept me wanting to finish the book.

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Love, abuse, regret

There is a lot of description here. I am glad I got the audiobook because it would have probably taken me much longer to get through reading the book. The plot moved slower for me at the beginning. There are a lot of characters from past and present. It was too much for me to keep up at times. It took me a while to get into the story.

I found Wallace to be the most compelling character. She yawns before saying something unpleasant and gossips a whole lot. My favourite line from her is when she talks smack about Jonas’ wife Gina: ‘Always prancing around as if she thinks she’s the cat’s pajamas.’ I didn’t even know what it meant, but I found it to be hilarious.

The book was not what I expected and is definitely out of my comfort zone. I am still glad I listened to it. I expected more of a present day storyline with drama and more spice about the affair. The story basically unfolds Eleanor’s past and why her and Jonas (her childhood friend/ love of her life) never ended up together. It is still an interesting story, but also a little too dark for me at times.

⚠️ There is a rape scene and much reference to sexual abuse.

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Amazed this was published!

Apparently, you can just write about nothing for half a book & get published. Couldn’t finish this…soooo slow, not much of a story & ridiculous when it does finally reveal itself. How the heck is this part of Reese’s Book Club??!! Don’t waste your precious time is my opinion

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Read on a whim

This book was a nice break from the Victorian era literature I've been reading all year. I would like to read more from this author eventually. The characters provoked many feelings, which is a good sign. The story did jump forward and backward throughout but it managed to make sense. Yes, it contained incidences/topics that may be upsetting to some. I found it was written in a way that did not dwell on those incidences. I related to lots of the vintage descriptions which added to the charm for me.

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Narrator

The narrator is so hard to listen too. Speeding it up to 1.3 somewhat helped

Heartbreakingly hard to stop reading

Great story, where you’re caught up in all the moments of Elle’s life that led to the decision she makes.

Not a huge fan

Spoilers ahead. I did not really enjoy this book. Couldn't stand Eleanor...why does everyone have a better or at least more interesting personality than her? The only thing I understand about her is that she is beautiful but otherwise I found her quite boring/irritating.

Heartfelt Storyline

The storyline was beautiful. This was the first story I read following a long hiatus. It felt nostalgic and genuine. It’s a story you can listen to while doing mundane tasks however and can dip in and out, until the end. I couldn’t stop listening to hear her decision! Very well executed, I enjoyed the descriptive nature of the writing however at some points it felt dragged out I would recommend this to friends. Definitely one of my favourites.

Trigger warning!

This book was pretty good but can bring up some significant feelings in regards to childhood abuse of all kinds. I don’t think the author had the character deal with the significance of it all. It wasn’t what I expected.

😍

this book was well read and just when I thought it was coming to an end, another twist in the storyline.
suspenseful, heartwarming, tragic and joyful.