The Collected Regrets of Clover: A Novel

I was pleasantly surprised at the depth of this book. As a pastor’s wife who has spent more time with the sick and dying than most, I found Clover’s interactions and observations accurate. I found the romance gave the book balance, between parts that were heavy and parts that were light and made me smile. I enjoyed seeing the growth in Clover, especially as it pertained to taking risks with relationships.

I read this book for a book club assignment. I would never have picked it up on my own. It was interesting but Clover, the primary character, at almost 40 years old, seemed oblivious to how closed off she had made herself. The impact of Clover's self-isolation seems to dawn on her only after she meets a new client (Claudia and her grandson, Sebastian) and a new neighbor (Sylvie). These people force her to socialize and introduce her to a few others but she never seems to take responsibility for her own loneliness. I am not even sure she recognized her loneliness before she meets the supporting characters. My niece is studying to become a death doula so that connection made it interesting for me. I wanted to learn more about the doula experience in case she does pursue this path. But the story itself seemed a little unbelievable. The ending felt rushed and slightly unsatisfying. But the story is well written and the characters, for the most part, are adequately developed. Jennifer Pickens narrates. I found her delivery to be a bit too monotone, which I thought had been the narrator’s choice because Clover was not likely all that animated a person. However, during an interview with the author at the conclusion of the book, her speech pattern was no less flat.

Thought provoking, sweet and sentimental.

This was something else.

I'm not much of a literary fiction person but still felt compelled to read this one : i'm so glad i did.
So full of wisdom and emotions. The themes of grief, loneliness and breaking out of this loneliness were so heart wrenchingly well done.
Following Clover, the people around her; and the new people she met, getting to see how she navigated all of these relationships, felt really precious to me.

I cried my eyes out finishing this gem at 3 am.

(4.5)

I loved this book on the first read and after a second, I couldn't help but write down all of my favorite lines and moments. I related a lot to Clover and hold this book in special regard.