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caribbeangirlreading's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
I was really exited going into this book. I LOVE historical fiction and the topic of Nevada divorce ranches in the 1930s is one that has not been covered. I did know going in that the inspiration for this book was the author's father, who once worked in a divorce ranch himself. What I did not realize is that this book is not about the women who go to the divorce ranch, but about one of the men who once worked there. If you accept the book for what it is, it's ok. But for me, it was a huge disappointment.
I expected a story about the women who go to the ranch to get divorced, not about an old man narrating the story of his time working at the ranch, a la "The Notebook." This is a story about a divorce ranch for WOMEN for Pete's sake, yet the female characters were secondary to the male narrator, and never fully realized. This is a book that could have really used multiple pov's from the various women. Did I mention how strongly I feel that this is a book that should have centered the women?!!! Overall, the male pov/gaze rubbed me the wrong way. Listening to the audiobook didn't help much either. The male narrator had this folksy / southern / small town accent that was just annoying. I speed-listened to the second half of the book so I could finish it and be ready for book club. I sure hope my fellow book clubbers forgive me for choosing this drivel.
I expected a story about the women who go to the ranch to get divorced, not about an old man narrating the story of his time working at the ranch, a la "The Notebook." This is a story about a divorce ranch for WOMEN for Pete's sake, yet the female characters were secondary to the male narrator, and never fully realized. This is a book that could have really used multiple pov's from the various women. Did I mention how strongly I feel that this is a book that should have centered the women?!!! Overall, the male pov/gaze rubbed me the wrong way. Listening to the audiobook didn't help much either. The male narrator had this folksy / southern / small town accent that was just annoying. I speed-listened to the second half of the book so I could finish it and be ready for book club. I sure hope my fellow book clubbers forgive me for choosing this drivel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Toxic relationship, and Animal death
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Pregnancy, Suicide, and Death of parent
apersonfromflorida's review
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity and Animal death
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Sexism, War, Toxic friendship, and Suicide
lklitup's review
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
A part of me is reminded of The Great Gatsby with this novel: a cast of selfish rich characters entertaining themselves for a summer without care to those left in their wake. I had higher hopes for what the synopsis had to offer, but the ridiculous antics and banter of Nina and Emily still held my attention. The author’s choice of narration was stilted outside of the ranch stories (I think this description/wording will make sense after reading). When Portia came on scene I had a difficult time reading further because of what a spoiled brat she was. Giving this book a majority of stars is really attributable to the unique time/place storyline; Zep’s one-liners; Ward’s cleft chin and kittens; and the absurdity of it all.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Death of parent and Suicide
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