Review of Backcomb & Tattoo
-
Oliviagrace22
- Posts: 5
- Joined: 21 Apr 2022, 08:06
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 5
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-oliviagrace22.html
- Latest Review: That Time I... by David O'Brien
Review of Backcomb & Tattoo
[Following is a volunteer review of "Backcomb & Tattoo" by Shea R Embry.]
Shea R Embry's novel Backcomb & Tattoo is about camaraderie and secrecy. The story follows Aunt Mary Opal, an old woman, and her three young pals, Rachael, Jesi, and Nicole. Aunt Mary Opal is very much in the stages of her sickness. She is, nevertheless, adamant about not telling anyone. She only desires that her final days be spent with young adults and their delight. As a result, she forms a friendship club with three young ladies, whereby they drink and make memories. They had several escapades and humorous situations throughout the tale.
The narrative plays over the course of a year. Everybody's life changed dramatically in that period. Aunt Mary Opal is a fascinating and intriguing figure. She keeps a lot of secrets in her life, and she advises her newfound pals to do the same. As the novel develops, we see these pals weave a complex web of secrets to hide the first ones. Drink sharing is a framework that helps these women get out of tricky situations. The circle of friends increases when Rachael connects Jesi to Aunt Mary Opal, but it isn't full yet. Nicole enters the scene by practically bumping into them. They will battle until the conclusion of the novel to keep the flame of their compassion and love for one another blazing.
The author well conveys the subject of concealment, leaving the reader wanting to know more about what will happen next. The book gives the reader a joyful sense of wanting to keep reading without stopping. Nicole is a psychological abuse survivor who learns to care for herself. Jesi initially avoids commitments but eventually comes to trust people. Rachael learns to prioritize others' needs over her own and to speak up for her own desires. Aunt Mary Opal wished for the affection and support of her youthful pals. She does, however, have a positive and warm impact on those around her. The story tackles serious topics such as assisted suicide and spousal violence.
In many respects, the book is remarkable. The novel passes the Bechdel test since the majority of the characters are female. The female characters spend much of their time talking about each other and very little time talking about the men in their lives. Furthermore, the novel contains numerous lighter moments, which the author exaggerates for humorous effect. By providing several intricacies and mysteries in the plot, the author successfully captures the readers' curiosity to not halt and skim any page of the novel. She keeps readers guessing about what will happen to the characters next.
One thing I didn't enjoy about the novel is how some of the sections were very short; I believe those chapters should have spoken more. Another component of the narrative that I disliked was the death theme; the novel begins with a melancholy tone and continues to conclude with it. The story's lowest parts, in my opinion, are with death and the loss of relationships among the people.
I rate this book four out of four stars for the great editing, conversations, and character development. This is a page-turner, and even after finishing the novel, one desires the companionship of these women. Despite the truths they keep hidden, their love binds them together.
I recommend this book to anybody who appreciates lighthearted stories with mostly female protagonists, feminists, participants in the LGBTQ community, psychologists, and those who have experienced physical or psychological violence in their relationships. These kinds of readers will find the novel more relatable.
******
Backcomb & Tattoo
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Shea R Embry's novel Backcomb & Tattoo is about camaraderie and secrecy. The story follows Aunt Mary Opal, an old woman, and her three young pals, Rachael, Jesi, and Nicole. Aunt Mary Opal is very much in the stages of her sickness. She is, nevertheless, adamant about not telling anyone. She only desires that her final days be spent with young adults and their delight. As a result, she forms a friendship club with three young ladies, whereby they drink and make memories. They had several escapades and humorous situations throughout the tale.
The narrative plays over the course of a year. Everybody's life changed dramatically in that period. Aunt Mary Opal is a fascinating and intriguing figure. She keeps a lot of secrets in her life, and she advises her newfound pals to do the same. As the novel develops, we see these pals weave a complex web of secrets to hide the first ones. Drink sharing is a framework that helps these women get out of tricky situations. The circle of friends increases when Rachael connects Jesi to Aunt Mary Opal, but it isn't full yet. Nicole enters the scene by practically bumping into them. They will battle until the conclusion of the novel to keep the flame of their compassion and love for one another blazing.
The author well conveys the subject of concealment, leaving the reader wanting to know more about what will happen next. The book gives the reader a joyful sense of wanting to keep reading without stopping. Nicole is a psychological abuse survivor who learns to care for herself. Jesi initially avoids commitments but eventually comes to trust people. Rachael learns to prioritize others' needs over her own and to speak up for her own desires. Aunt Mary Opal wished for the affection and support of her youthful pals. She does, however, have a positive and warm impact on those around her. The story tackles serious topics such as assisted suicide and spousal violence.
In many respects, the book is remarkable. The novel passes the Bechdel test since the majority of the characters are female. The female characters spend much of their time talking about each other and very little time talking about the men in their lives. Furthermore, the novel contains numerous lighter moments, which the author exaggerates for humorous effect. By providing several intricacies and mysteries in the plot, the author successfully captures the readers' curiosity to not halt and skim any page of the novel. She keeps readers guessing about what will happen to the characters next.
One thing I didn't enjoy about the novel is how some of the sections were very short; I believe those chapters should have spoken more. Another component of the narrative that I disliked was the death theme; the novel begins with a melancholy tone and continues to conclude with it. The story's lowest parts, in my opinion, are with death and the loss of relationships among the people.
I rate this book four out of four stars for the great editing, conversations, and character development. This is a page-turner, and even after finishing the novel, one desires the companionship of these women. Despite the truths they keep hidden, their love binds them together.
I recommend this book to anybody who appreciates lighthearted stories with mostly female protagonists, feminists, participants in the LGBTQ community, psychologists, and those who have experienced physical or psychological violence in their relationships. These kinds of readers will find the novel more relatable.
******
Backcomb & Tattoo
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: That Time I... by David O'Brien
