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A review by beriboo
Because of You by Dawn French
3.0
A Heartfelt Story That Falls Short
Because of You by Dawn French is a poignant tale that explores the intricacies of motherhood and the impact of choices made in the past. While the novel touches on important themes and showcases French's skill for crafting relatable characters, it ultimately falls short in delivering a truly captivating and cohesive story.
French's writing style is warm and inviting, making it easy to connect with the characters and their emotions. The narrative alternates between different points of view, providing insight into the lives of several individuals whose paths intertwine. Through her characters, French delves into themes of love, loss, and the profound influence that one person can have on another's life.
The characters in Because of You are well-developed and diverse, each with their own unique struggles and flaws. French's ability to capture the complexity of human emotions shines through, and she does an admirable job of portraying the challenges and joys of motherhood. The relationships depicted in the novel, both familial and romantic, feel authentic and relatable.
However, where Because of You falters is in its execution of the overall story. The narrative jumps between different time periods and perspectives, which at times feels disjointed and makes it difficult to fully immerse oneself in the plot. The pacing of the novel also feels uneven, with certain sections dragging while others feel rushed. This inconsistency in pacing hampers the flow of the story, making it harder to become fully invested.
Furthermore, some plot developments and revelations feel contrived and lack the emotional impact they were intended to have. Certain twists and turns in the story seem forced and predictable, diminishing the impact of what could have been powerful moments.
Despite its flaws, Because of You still manages to tug at the heartstrings and raise thought-provoking questions about motherhood and the choices we make. French's ability to create relatable characters and explore the complexities of human relationships is evident throughout the novel. While it may not be a standout in the genre, fans of Dawn French's previous works and those interested in heartfelt stories of love and family may find something to appreciate in Because of You.
Because of You by Dawn French is a poignant tale that explores the intricacies of motherhood and the impact of choices made in the past. While the novel touches on important themes and showcases French's skill for crafting relatable characters, it ultimately falls short in delivering a truly captivating and cohesive story.
French's writing style is warm and inviting, making it easy to connect with the characters and their emotions. The narrative alternates between different points of view, providing insight into the lives of several individuals whose paths intertwine. Through her characters, French delves into themes of love, loss, and the profound influence that one person can have on another's life.
The characters in Because of You are well-developed and diverse, each with their own unique struggles and flaws. French's ability to capture the complexity of human emotions shines through, and she does an admirable job of portraying the challenges and joys of motherhood. The relationships depicted in the novel, both familial and romantic, feel authentic and relatable.
However, where Because of You falters is in its execution of the overall story. The narrative jumps between different time periods and perspectives, which at times feels disjointed and makes it difficult to fully immerse oneself in the plot. The pacing of the novel also feels uneven, with certain sections dragging while others feel rushed. This inconsistency in pacing hampers the flow of the story, making it harder to become fully invested.
Furthermore, some plot developments and revelations feel contrived and lack the emotional impact they were intended to have. Certain twists and turns in the story seem forced and predictable, diminishing the impact of what could have been powerful moments.
Despite its flaws, Because of You still manages to tug at the heartstrings and raise thought-provoking questions about motherhood and the choices we make. French's ability to create relatable characters and explore the complexities of human relationships is evident throughout the novel. While it may not be a standout in the genre, fans of Dawn French's previous works and those interested in heartfelt stories of love and family may find something to appreciate in Because of You.