3.75⭐️

A meditation on race, identity, grief, humanity and society that packs a big punch… but then ends with a whimper. I think for such an incredible plot concept, the execution was just a bit lacking for me - the characters were well-realised, the dynamics were interesting, and I was invested… but it was too much of a microcosm. I wanted to see the bigger impact of the changes throughout the novel, but the end didn’t deliver the brilliant set up. Overall, the writing was beautiful, and I think it’s a really conversation-starting, eye-opening piece of work… but it was missing that extra ‘oomph’.

3.25 ⭐️

I think… this was ok. The concept of “wholehearted ness” really resonated with me, and the way shame, perfectionism and worthiness were interconnected was an interesting takeaway. I thought the three key tentpoles of Courage, Compassion and Connection made a lot of sense. I guess I just didn’t feel that this delved super deep for me - it felt more like an overview and the suggested actions were very surface-level. But it did give me good for thought, so I’m glad I read it. And I’d definitely recommend the audiobook as I think it felt a lot more accessible/ less patronising than if I’d have read it physically.

3.75⭐️

I needed some time to process this one, as it was sort of a book of two halves. Whilst I enjoyed getting to know our main character and her group of friends, the unrelentingly terrible time she has throughout her life was quite wearisome to witness and felt like a bit of a slog to get through. When, however, we get to the second half - the focus on her friends and how they choose to honour her - I found myself invested, moved, and contemplative. I know you needed the first half to inform the second, but my rockier enjoyment of the beginning is reflected in the overall rating. However, the way that the author interweaves history and fiction has intrigued me enough to want to pick up more Elif Shafak in the future.

4.25⭐️

I was completely transported into Marie’s world - and the audiobook definitely helped that with its French accents! This is the story of a life interwoven with the story of a country, in a way which manages to do justice to both - a rare feat. The narration was innovative and engaging, I found the gorier bits fascinating and repulsive in equal measure, and the description of making waxworks incredibly interesting. At times certain moments were skipped over too quickly or lingered on for too long, and I also struggle with books that are fictional accounts of non-fictional people as the narrative feels a bit blurry. Nevertheless, I’ll think of Madame Tussaud’s in a new light the next time I’m wandering down Baker Street…