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smblades21's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
kota_weller's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
brendalovesbooks's review against another edition
4.0
This took me a really long time to read, because I'm right in the middle of the biggest book slump I've ever experienced. Because it took me so long, I wavered between 3 and 4 stars for a rating.
The story was interesting, although not really at all what I expected. I wasn't as interested in her present day storyline as I was in her past.
There is a semi-explicit love scene, but nothing compared to what I've seen in romance or some urban fantasy novels. I've seen reviews that complain that the lesbianism is too modern, as if there were no lesbians back in the 50s (or earlier). I thought it all seemed pretty true to how things were at that time, although I can't say for sure because I wasn't alive back then.
The story was interesting, although not really at all what I expected. I wasn't as interested in her present day storyline as I was in her past.
There is a semi-explicit love scene, but nothing compared to what I've seen in romance or some urban fantasy novels. I've seen reviews that complain that the lesbianism is too modern, as if there were no lesbians back in the 50s (or earlier). I thought it all seemed pretty true to how things were at that time, although I can't say for sure because I wasn't alive back then.
joana_stormblessed's review against another edition
5.0
oh my goodness!!! loved this so very much!!!
bwolf16's review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
medium-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? Yes
4.0
lkozbusch's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
shirleytupperfreeman's review against another edition
There is a lot to think about in this debut novel. Alternating chapters describe the life of Rachel Rabinowitz during three pivotal times of her life. Beginning in 1918, from ages 4-15, Rachel lived in the Hebrew Orphans Home in NYC. The process of becoming an orphan and the fact that she became, for a time, a 'guinea pig' in some medical experiments, make for some tough reading. The second pivotal time was ages 15-19 or so - Rachel's coming-of-age period. The third pivotal stage is Rachel's current life at age 40. She is a nurse in a Hebrew Old Age Home and the doctor who used her for medical studies (causing long-term consequences) becomes her patient. The line between revenge and mercy becomes very taut. Good story though sometimes uncomfortable, with much fodder for discussion.
carol9178's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book from the first page.
The book was heartwarming and it was an easy read (great pool/beach book)but very rich and well written.
The book was heartwarming and it was an easy read (great pool/beach book)but very rich and well written.
babyruth510's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed the historical aspects of the novel however the romantic storyline didn't seem authentic to me which keeps me from giving this 4 stars.
cymshady's review against another edition
4.0
Book 2/100 for my 2023 Goodreads Reading Challenge.
For Popsugar's 2023 Reading Challenge, this is my entry for "A book with a queer lead".
This book was heartbreaking in its entirety. I almost had to quit reading when it described how the orphans were experimented on. I don't know if it was the power in the author's writing or the knowledge that these kind of experiments indeed happened that made me feel sick to my stomach.
This book is told from two alternating timelines, one from when Rachel was a child and one from when Rachel is an adult nurse. I enjoyed how the alternating timelines built on one another and led to some exciting twists throughout the novel.
The relationship between Rachel and Naomi was tender and loving. Another heartbreaking aspect is the fact that this relationship was never acknowledged - they were just "roommates" and "spinsters". How many relationships were written off as two people just being friends? LOTS.
Medical Assistance in Dying is a morally grey area. Is it merciful or murder? At what point in a person's deterioration is it more humane to let them pass than to keep them living?
This book left me with a lot to think about. Four stars for this beautiful piece of work.
For Popsugar's 2023 Reading Challenge, this is my entry for "A book with a queer lead".
This book was heartbreaking in its entirety. I almost had to quit reading when it described how the orphans were experimented on. I don't know if it was the power in the author's writing or the knowledge that these kind of experiments indeed happened that made me feel sick to my stomach.
This book is told from two alternating timelines, one from when Rachel was a child and one from when Rachel is an adult nurse. I enjoyed how the alternating timelines built on one another and led to some exciting twists throughout the novel.
The relationship between Rachel and Naomi was tender and loving. Another heartbreaking aspect is the fact that this relationship was never acknowledged - they were just "roommates" and "spinsters". How many relationships were written off as two people just being friends? LOTS.
Medical Assistance in Dying is a morally grey area. Is it merciful or murder? At what point in a person's deterioration is it more humane to let them pass than to keep them living?
This book left me with a lot to think about. Four stars for this beautiful piece of work.