Review Roundup

Reviewers praise Mackintosh’s perceptive writing, keen observation, emotional authenticity, and compassionate characterization of parents confronting an agonizing decision about their critically ill son. Several found the novel both deeply moving and thought-provoking, with fully realized characters and an unexpectedly page-turning first half. Criticism centers on the later structure: some reviewers found the second half overlong, less compelling, repetitive, and occasionally confusing. Kirkus also calls the novel occasionally overwrought and questions the credibility of Max’s development and choices.