This book is the kind you would pick on a calm winter evening. A perfect book to read when you're tucked in with cosy clothes, a mug of coffee or whatever you want to drink, while the fireplace crackles (in my case, ASMR videos). An adorable, cosy, one time read. This book kind of reminded me of Big Little Lies. The writing and setting are also somewhat similar in both novels. In many places I had Moriarty popping up in my mind that it's impossible to stop comparing both.





I am not going to dive into the plot, as many have written about it already. I enjoyed the writing. In no time I was sucked into the story. I kept on turning the pages with such a fervour that I couldn't believe it when the book ended. I loved Clara and Liam. The thing I loved most about this book is, that it's a simple story. No need to wring your brain to understand the metaphors or connect the imagery with whatever is happening. The story is clean and crisp.





Also, I love how Clara is written. An adult writer writing a child's voice may be a hit or a miss. But I feel Lawson trod with care and didn't overdo it. Everything about Clara was adorable. And how can I forget Moses! I loved reading them. Also, I love how Liam's vulnerabilities were played. In one place Liam feels as if he couldn't cross that river to make meaningful relationships. I felt that in my bones. It is bliss to read something that resonates with you, isn't it?





Now coming to things that didn't work for me. I don't understand why Lawson has included some anti-fat language that seems unnecessary. Once it's fine. But three times, that didn't seem like a coincidence. Then her portrayal of motherhood. I know what it feels like to yearn for a child. I do know how it feels to be overwhelmed with everything that's going on. But using that as a vantage to advance the plot is not what I had in mind. It felt like fetishizing one's pain to provide fodder for entertainment.





And what's with the fathers in this story. I had a mini discussion with @ yesterday. And I kind of realized the fathers were either uninvolved or too scared to protect their kids. The aloofness of Rose's father made her mother look bad in her eyes. While Rose is perceptive of her father's inability to intervene, it isn't until late he somewhat realizes his mistake. On the other hand, Liam's parents divorced and he kind of left him with his mother who he knows will continue to hate Liam? And we don't have enough insight on these two mothers on what they think. That sort of leaves an incomplete feeling.





Finally, this isn't a book that I expected to see on the Booker longlist. But I am glad that I found this. A simple book with a lot of food for thought, it's a book that we'll enjoy. And I forgot to mention how much I loved the ending. In the end, they found solace in whatever troubles they had. I kind of liked it but not enough to see it on a shortlist.