I don’t know if it’s the audiobook, but this was super boring to me... I appreciate the themes and the message of the story, but honestly, I wanted to DNF it. I couldn’t make myself care for any of the characters.

Also, why isn’t the reader told anything about this ‘war’ that has apparently been going on and the ‘state’ that’s ruling the country? What kind of regime is it? What’s their ideology? And how did they become so powerful? Now, that’s a story I’m interested in. Obviously I get that this is a novella, so all of that stuff would’ve made for a much longer story. But at least it would be an interesting story.

2 stars

4.5 stars

Wow. Every white person should read this. We still have so much to learn...

Also, why has this not been translated into more languages yet? I’m Dutch and would love to give this book to my parents to read, but the language can be a bit difficult for non-native speakers who aren’t accustomed to reading in English.

5 stars

4 stars

5 stars

Love love love the artwork!

I think I liked this? But in a depressing sort of way. Sometimes I didn’t feel like reading on, but at the same time I was wholly captivated by Connell and Marianne’s characters and the development of their relationship (or sometimes frustrating lack thereof?) and the beautiful prose. I just have conflicted feelings about this book, it’s very hard to put into words.

4 stars

3.5 stars

This is exactly the wholesome/romantic/summer/adventure/family story that I needed! Finishing the book while basking in the summer sun of southern France was perfect! (Even though I’m not in Provence myself, shh!