Reviews

Friends in Napa by Sheila Yasmin Marikar

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oopsmariah's review against another edition

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lighthearted slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

0.5

itsmattiebeck's review against another edition

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3.5

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 4.
This was definitely more of a drama than a suspense novel. Dark comedy, as it’s described, fits well. If I had more time to sit down, I would’ve read this in one, possibly two sittings. I thought this was fun and pretty fast paced. If you like rich people drama, this is for you. The characters were all narcissistic in their own ways, insufferable, questionable, and honestly pathetic in some ways. I think this explored complicated friendship dynamics, wealth and social status, motherhood, and the complexities of marriage in a fun way that wasn’t too in depth, but fit well with the dramatic, comedic plot. It wasn’t the best, heart pounding inducing type of read that I think people are expecting, which validates some of the negative reviews, but I think this is a fun book you can pick up by the pool or a lazy weekend. Not GREAT, but not bad.

ctidwell03's review against another edition

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medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

stacyk04's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

alaiaw's review against another edition

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slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

2.0

A slog to get through. Nothing happens for much of the book. Tons of characters - most of them barely like each other. None of them are worth rooting for. Lame ending. Wouldn’t recommend.