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memento_mori42's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
tigger1192's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 really. I've always liked Shriver and her newest is enjoyable...and sad at the same time. This seemed like more of an experiment than a story, but it was definitely interesting.
duncanreading's review against another edition
3.0
I found this a genuinely disconcerting book. For all the medical-based gesticulating about not wanting to get old, wanting to die before you lose capacity, this book followed that impulse to look at the reality of what the consequences of a planned demise might be.
Its thoughtful and uncomfortable nature was really well written at times, and honestly verging on average sci-fi at others, hence 3 stars for me.
It’s an interesting concept of a book, but not one I felt was ever fully realised.
Its thoughtful and uncomfortable nature was really well written at times, and honestly verging on average sci-fi at others, hence 3 stars for me.
It’s an interesting concept of a book, but not one I felt was ever fully realised.
crinklawunit's review against another edition
3.0
Became a bit convoluted in some of the incarnations. Interesting premise - not sure the delivery was great.
ursulamonarch's review against another edition
This book was ok. I always enjoy the premise that the author has used before, where things get reset and the reader is able to explore alternate pathways, and I found the exercise pretty fun in this book. As an American, it was also somewhat interesting to read about Brexit fretting between the couple, although I probably would have preferred this "translated" to similar American politics. I didn't mind the excursions into the seemingly outlandish, and some of the COVID19 reactions were either too extreme or too soon for me. What I did find grotesque at times was, of course, the premise of the book, that the couple would both make it to 80 when so many don't.
annabellisimo's review against another edition
2.0
I’ve read many of Schriver’s books and have enjoyed them all, I even re-read So Much For That. But unfortunately this one is different. It’s an unpleasant read with a mean-spirited, hectoring tone. I enjoyed the premise and thought experiment, but it was marred by unnatural dialogue, unlikeable characters with seemingly no attachment to anyone but each other, and experiments with science fiction that were so unbearably thin I was embarrassed for the author. One bright spot was the dementia chapter, which flipped the expected script in a delightful way.
I’ve lost a loved one to ALS and ‘death with dignity’ and it was an emotionally intense and rich time, there is scope for a novel with great heart, relationships and insight from this concept - but this book isn’t it.
I’ve lost a loved one to ALS and ‘death with dignity’ and it was an emotionally intense and rich time, there is scope for a novel with great heart, relationships and insight from this concept - but this book isn’t it.
cass513's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
oldmanneill's review against another edition
Dnf after 50%
This was a well done literary exercise, but I really hate literary exercises.
This was a well done literary exercise, but I really hate literary exercises.
gavinj90's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
abby_morton's review against another edition
5.0
This was deliciously subversive. It’s like a dark, DARK “Midnight Library,” and so many chapters expanded on thoughts I’ve had myself in painstaking detail, especially the chapter with the Extinction group, and to a lesser degree, the Close of Day home (whose ending was so macabre that I burst out laughing).
I’m frequently called Debbie Downer, but now I feel validated and seen. I even took a picture of a particular paragraph that resonated so much.
Loved it. Five stars. And I hope to emulate Kay and Cyril’s marriage.
I’m frequently called Debbie Downer, but now I feel validated and seen. I even took a picture of a particular paragraph that resonated so much.
Loved it. Five stars. And I hope to emulate Kay and Cyril’s marriage.