⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
What a Shame is a really clever book, depicting a young woman trying to find her way in life after suffering life events that have left her traumatised and grieving. I loved the way her grief was explored through various attempts by those around her to help her work through it.
It is not as hard a read as it sounds though, there is a light hearted warmth to the book, I think coming through the love shining that radiates from the narrator’s friends and family. Some of their ideas for tackling grief are whimsical, some spiritual, some more traditional…they all chip away at the haze of grief that surrounds her.
The only small thing that confused me slightly was that the narrator addresses both her father and her ex-partner directly – which is an effective narrative feature, but it isn’t always clear who she is talking to at different point. I wonder if that is intentional though, as the narrator tries to pick apart everything going on in her head. I really look forward to more from this author!
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an eCopy of this book.
Sophie @Sophie_Jo_Books 📚 🐾
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