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I wasn't overwhelmed by this book, I think perhaps this was because I didn't really like the main character.
Her semi-incest relationship with her brother was weird, and not very easy to read, it was kind of uncomfortable and I think this was partly why I didn't love the book.
The idea that she would be so passive about the deaths of her 3 husbands, and that she continued her relationship with her brother made me feel queasy.
She was also really passive about her life and who she married it was all orchestrated by her brother, and she just goes along with it.
For a random book I picked up at a charity shop, I am going to be donating this back, perhaps someone else will "get" it.
Graphic: Incest, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Forced institutionalization, Murder
I can't really recommend this book to anyone and I think this is a super dangerous book to be all over booktube/booktok. Before you read this please do check the trigger warnings as the descriptions are graphic, slow and detailed.
I found this harrowing to read, and deeply upsetting.
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Cancer, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Dysphoria, Injury/Injury detail
I found the main character to be frustrating at times and a little whiny when she made decisions she hadn't fully thought through in the name of "adventure".
Ending was sweet though, so fine, can't say I loved it but overall it was good enough.
I liked the multiple pov's and the way the stories all linked together, it was a really atmospheric book, and everyone was so sad.
The author really described the loneliness of being a lighthouse keeper and also the longing of the wives whilst the keepers were away on the Maiden.
There are bits in this that genuinely made me squirm, it was rough to read and the constant intense threat of Francis Dolarhyde attacking again really makes you want the book to end.
The final twist in the book did feel a little rushed in my opinion, and I would have in a rare moment preferred this book to be a little longer to give the final standoff just a bit more space and time to develop.
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Domestic abuse, Gore, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Kidnapping, Medical trauma, Murder, Dysphoria, Injury/Injury detail
It was amusing in parts but in others i just found myself skipping over, it didn't really add much to my overall understanding of NHS life, but i also have a few friends who work within the underfunded institution so I am fairly aware of the pitfalls and horrific working conditions.
I also felt the tone was a bit off in parts, and he came off a bit smug in others.
Just not for me.
Graphic: Body shaming, Gore, Infertility, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Terminal illness, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, Pregnancy, Injury/Injury detail
I really loved this book, and thought it was interesting how everyone is linked, it's another clever multiple point of view with mentions of major plot points in her other books.
I like how all of these book link together in the same world but focus on completely different characters!
As always the world building was on point, and I couldn't help but race through to know what was going on in these characters lives.
It was annoying me, so I'm going to give it away to someone who hasn't been to Brighton. 😂
I found the characters to be fun to follow and the book was fast paced enough that you didn't really have a chance to get annoyed with them for being shallow. They felt like real people to me.
But the absolute bombshell in the middle part of the book, is a game changer. Nearly gave up on it, bit, part 2. Loved this.
Suffragette Mattie is in a bit of a rut and when confronted with an old pal who is staring a national front type youth group decides to start her own more socialist opposition group to encourage young girls to be active in the world and be better ready for voting.
Loveable characters and super cosy!