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metalmakubex 's review for:

All's Well by Mona Awad
4.0
dark mysterious reflective tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

It wasn't on purpose that I read two books about Shakespeare very close to each other, but it was a happy coincidence.⁠

This book is...very difficult to describe. It's kind of horrifying at parts, but it isn't a horror. It's kind of funny in a sick way, but it's definitely not a comedy. The main character is not likable, but she is compelling. The best way I can describe it is that it felt like a fever dream all the way through. Even the non-"magical" parts felt...off. And I loved that about it, though not everyone will.⁠

I can't comment on the chronic pain rep, since I don't experience it myself, but while I was reading, I did imagine how I would feel in Miranda's position, and I could relate to her. She thought some wretched things, and was pessimistic, but I couldn't blame her from the way she was treated. I also think the overall mood of the book mirrored what it probably feels like to have a condition like hers; dread, depression, mixed in with some moments of hope or mania.⁠

I would honestly don't know who I would recommend this to, even though I liked it myself. But if you enjoy unlikable-but-well-developed characters, and a story that feels like a decent into madness, this may be the one for you.⁠