** 2 stars
Oh, how this pains me to give my beloved Marian such a low rating for a much-anticipated book. It really was just okay, if I'm to be honest. I didn't hate it and it certainly had some bright moments but it was terribly uneven. Obviously, the author's recent personal struggles greatly colored the book. Some of the exposition on depression was reflective of comments in her Saved by Cake and so, in that regard, very honest and candid. But they didn't "fit" in the story and took me out of the book a bit. I also felt a little uncomfortable reading this knowing these were reflective of such a deeply personal and painful time.
The story just felt a little awkward and I would have loved a better vehicle for Helen and her mapcap ways. She is, like all the Walsh women, a singular character and quite funny. I loved her "Shovel List" and how random she is.
What a shame. I have the book coming into the library this week. Be interesting to see if I feel the same way.
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