Gabriela

It was cute and heartwarming, but repetitive and predictable. I wanted to like it, but every chapter felt formulaic. The writing style also feels dull and uninspired. It often happens when I read other Japanese translated novels , so it could very well be a cultural thing. It reminds me of reading YA novels where the author feels the need to over explain and tell me, rather than show me. It's fine. I enjoyed reading it, but I can't in good conscience give it more than 3 stars.

“So I decide. Standing in this dank alleyway I decide I'll settle for a sliver of the love I want, in the hope that one day soon, there will be space for it to become more.”

I enjoyed this book a lot, while simultaneously wanting to shake some sense into this woman for the whole book. This novel provides a look at how disheartening and soul-crushing entering into the workforce can be, while being unable to escape the necessity of it. However, the main experience this novel explores is falling in love with a married man and what being the mistress feels like. It was difficult to read sometimes because we are in her head, which meant we were in delulu town for a while. The writing was fantastic (I loved the unexpected breaking of the 4th wall). It was funny, heartwarming, irreverent, and tense. I will definitely be getting a physical copy of this book!

I thank NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC of this book. I actually got it after the book has been released, so go get a copy if this sounds like it would be a good read for you.

‘You don't let go once. That's your first mistake. You say goodbye over a lifetime.”

Honestly, who needs therapy when you read books like this one? I'm finding it hard to rate this fully as a piece of literary work because it was so incredibly relevant that I don't know if I can focus too hard on its literary merits (I'll give it a go).

Dolly has such a good talent for writing things in a non-pretentious way while still providing insightful commentary on life and relationships. Writing from the perspective of the man who got broken up with felt fresh and inspired. I also think it really captured how it feels to go through a break up when there's not a specific major issue, but rather realizing that a relationship isn't what you need anymore.

I would be curious to hear wether or not men think it's an accurate portrayal of the men psyche after a breakup (if my ex is reading this, let me know what you think of this book!). To me, it felt authentic, it was emotional, and funny. I recommend it!

4.5. I loved it. It was so good. I have to admit I struggled through the first part because of the immense amount of places, rooms, and things described, but I was so intrigued with the story and the way Piranesi saw the world. I know this book will not be for everyone, but I thought it was beautifully written, with an engaging plot, and characters that you couldn't help want to know better. Ultimately, I think this is a story about identity, about connecting with others, and connecting with your environment. How seeing the world through the lens of being grateful, kind, and curious will reveal the true beauty of our surroundings. Piranesi's empathy and passion for life was so compelling and pure.

4.5 - The writing style of this novel is so up my street. I've never finished a book and had the desire to immediately start reading it again. What a wonderful story, full of poetic descriptions and love letters. I expected a bit more from the ending, but that's the only reason this has slightly fallen short of 5 stars. I suspect this will make my top 10 of the year!