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aliceandthegiantbookshelf's review against another edition
3.0
Debating between 3 and 3.5 ⭐️ because I didn’t love it and that was really unexpected.
futurama1979's review against another edition
3.0
This is one of those books I really wanted to be the kind of story that sticks with me forever. It had the potential. Reading the synopsis, I was taken by the bravery of both the women in the novel and of the author who undertook fictionalizing this horrifying occurrence. It seemed, at all first glances, a story with a lot of staying power. However, the actual text doesn't quite hold up.
Toews has cushioned the story with philosophical tangents, a self pitying narrator, and a romantic subplot that completely takes away from the raw power the central story has. I really do understand and sympathize why she might have done it - in order to absorb a story this heartbreaking, both the author and audience might like a degree of separation. I think that unfortunately, Toews took that degree of separation a little too far.
It's still an important story, and still worth the read. The women are powerful characters, and some of their conversation is incredibly moving. It just takes until the epilogue to be able to sympathize with the narrator.
Toews has cushioned the story with philosophical tangents, a self pitying narrator, and a romantic subplot that completely takes away from the raw power the central story has. I really do understand and sympathize why she might have done it - in order to absorb a story this heartbreaking, both the author and audience might like a degree of separation. I think that unfortunately, Toews took that degree of separation a little too far.
It's still an important story, and still worth the read. The women are powerful characters, and some of their conversation is incredibly moving. It just takes until the epilogue to be able to sympathize with the narrator.
swimmingbrit's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
stephibabes's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a fascinating account of women coming together to collectively agree how to react to the abuse they, and their children, have experienced for years at the hands of the men in their community. It is told through the eyes of a man who is deemed safe to transcribe for them.
In the aftermath of the horrific attacks this story focusing on their discussion of what to do, it utterly compelling. I felt I knew what I would do in their position, but it is made muddy by their lives of isolation from the wider world and their religious beliefs that could lead to more conservative choices. Their discussions are so vividly told, I felt I was there with them.
The love story woven throughout and the position of our narrator having been previously ex-communicated is quite a heart wrenching side story within this. I really enjoyed this book.
I borrowed this audiobook from my local library. Support your local library!
In the aftermath of the horrific attacks this story focusing on their discussion of what to do, it utterly compelling. I felt I knew what I would do in their position, but it is made muddy by their lives of isolation from the wider world and their religious beliefs that could lead to more conservative choices. Their discussions are so vividly told, I felt I was there with them.
The love story woven throughout and the position of our narrator having been previously ex-communicated is quite a heart wrenching side story within this. I really enjoyed this book.
I borrowed this audiobook from my local library. Support your local library!
lillians_library's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
bentonnnn1's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
ratsirk's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
lancastergainesville's review against another edition
5.0
I very much appreciated the discussions, the simple way they determined their course of action while discussing faith (or lack thereof) and philosophy .
rachelmayp's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
5.0
konsgard's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0