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My Favourite

by Sarah Jollien-Fardel

Rated 3 out of 5Alison's rating

A beautifully written but emotionally heavy literary novel about trauma, resilience and survival.

The Messy Reader verdict

Beautifully written, but emotionally heavy

Reviewed 3 March 2025 messyreaderby messyreader Spoiler free

This literary debut is a beautifully written yet harrowing exploration of trauma, resilience and the long shadow of childhood abuse. The prose is striking, at times almost poetic, capturing both the stark beauty of the Swiss Alps and the raw pain of the protagonist's journey.

While the novel is undeniably powerful, the emotional weight can feel overwhelming, and the narrative's detachment at times makes it difficult to fully connect with the main character. The pacing also lags in places, making it a slow read despite its relatively short length.

Overall, My Favourite is a thought-provoking but emotionally heavy novel that will resonate with readers who appreciate literary fiction that doesn't shy away from darkness.

Rating: 3/5

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