This was a VERY short novelette or even short story about the passing of her mother-in-law. It got into a lot of family dynamics that we all deal with with our in-laws.
It was a sad, but easy read. I do really think that this could have made a short novel - there was so much more to be explored. As most people know, Cheryl wrote Wild which I have never read as hiking the Pacific Crest Trail or reading about it holds no appeal to me.
I liked this novelette but didn't love it.
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.0 stars
Writing: 4.5 stars
Cheryl writes so well. It is not lyrical and poetic writing like my favorite authors, but frank and matter-of-fact. It was a perfect style for this type of story.
Character development: 4.0 stars
There were three characters - Joan (the mother-in-law), Brian (Joan's son and Cheryl's husband), and Cheryl (daughter-in-law and wife).
The relationships could have been explored more if the book was longer. I feel like a lot was missing from the story including Cheryl's relationship with her deceased mother.
Storyline: 4.0 stars
This really is the story of the passing of Joan. From living in assisted living to hospice care in only a short time. The heartache is brutal for a family to go through this with a loved one.
Joan and Cheryl had a tenuous relationship, but they seemed to have come to understand each other before Joan passed away.
The main location was Portland, Oregon.
Memorable/Informative: 4.0 stars
It was heartbreaking and made me realize what I do NOT want to do when my final journey begins. I want to make everything easy for my daughter.
Book cover: 4.0 stars
Very obvious juxtaposition of the relationship between Cheryl and Joan.
Book title: 4.0 stars
Very appropriate.
DEFINITE recommend
BOOK INFORMATION
Amazon First Reads Kindle ebook
Two Women Walk Into A Bar by Cheryl Strayed
31 pages
Amazon Original Stories
Release date of 01/24/2024
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Amazon First Reads - December 2023
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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