Queenie

OMG, Queenie was a real handful for a chunk of this book! Sure, her tough childhood made me want to cut her some slack, but her knack for bad choices and finger-pointing was a real eyebrow-raiser. Thankfully, by the end, she finally owned up and bloomed into a better version of herself. Brace yourself, though, this book dives into heavy stuff like domestic abuse and racism. I felt that Queenie struggled with self-hate, especially because of the questionable dudes she let into her life, added extra layers of complexity. Yet, beyond the stormy seas, this tale is a beacon of self-discovery and resilience. Queenie's journey is a rollercoaster of emotions, showing just how crucial self-love and mental health are. As she navigates life's messy web of friendships and love, the story gently underscores the importance of seeking support and finding your own voice. This beautifully crafted novel is a powerful testament to the complexity of human emotions and the strength it takes to overcome life's hurdles. It opens up vital discussions about identity and healing, making it a must-read!

The audiobook is 9hrs and 45 mins long. It's full of near-constant whining and horrifically bad decisions, until the last 45 minutes when you suddenly empathise with the character and everything is "resolved".I really, really wanted to love this book. I've seen so many great reviews, but it was a hard slog to finish. I only finished it because I wanted to give the author a chance. A lot of the story felt like a convenient afterthought. Also, how the main character still has a job is beyond me - they're "distracted" for 6 months, half-arses everything, leaves early, arrives late and always making mistakes.