Review: A Funny Kind of Paradise

Bedside Rating: 6/10

Genre: Fiction

This was the first book I’ve read and finished in over 8 months. Safe to say I’ve been seriously slacking in every department of this blog life … sorry everyone. I truly underestimated how much my life would be flipped upside down by a baby.

I’m not particularly sure this was the best book to get me back in the saddle … nevertheless, it’s the one I chose and I got through it. I say this not out of a lack of enjoyment for the book, but more so because it covers some very heavy topics. A Funny Kind of Paradise is written from the perspective of a stroke survivor, Francesca, who now lives in a long term care facility. We get a glimpse into her past, as well as the present day to day commotions within the facility, learning both the narrators struggles and the aides. Despite being left unable to speak and partially paralyzed, Frannie has a burning desire to live. Once living a chaotic and work driven life, she is forced to slow down and reckon with her past. This novel is a reminder that you are never too old to change, learn, and grow.

Overall I enjoyed this book. Was it a page turner? No … not really. I found I could never really get invested in the characters. I’m also unsure if the book itself was just okay, or if I simply wasn’t in the mood for these deep subjects when it came to the end of my day. I’m definitely not running to recommend this book to anyone, but if someone was interested in reading it … I also wouldn’t swat it out of their hands. I’m no savage after all. Oh, and of course I still managed to cry at the end of the book. Hormones anyone? That’s all for this one! Short and sweet. On to the next!

xx

Sash