I literally have no idea how to rate this book.

I'm tempted to give it one star. My life was indeed better before I read this. I'm fairly sure this book triggered a minor depressive episode (and I don't say that lightly). It was frustrating, self indulgent, and exploitative of a massive tragedy.

In also tempted to give it three stars. I think overall I'm glad I read it but I wouldn't recommend it widely. Only to people who want to read a sad book and can tolerate...the various bits here.

And part of me wants to say five stars because the author succeeds in what she endeavours to do: writing an unlikeable female character who is somehow also unfortunately relatable. Making me viscerally feel emotions (albeit those are mostly frustration anger and sadness) and making me reflect on my own life.

So yeah, I'll go with the median and give it a 3. I said that, and then read a few more bad reviews, and feel better about giving this a 1 star. This is more in the league of "things have gotten worse since we last spoke" than anything I actually give 3 merited stars to. Read with caution if you're curious, it's a doozy.

More thoughts here: https://youtu.be/-s8LI8RxP7c