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irxren's review against another edition
3.0
This book nearly became a DNF for me, as I struggled through the beginning and even put it down to read something else before giving it another chance. While many praise it, I found myself on the opposite end of the spectrum, feeling a mix of anger, annoyance, and frustration upon finishing.
The narrative revolves around love, loss, and the complex dynamics among parents, children, and siblings, featuring four sisters reminiscent of the characters in Little Women. While some plot elements echo those of the beloved classic, certain characters' selfish choices elicited anger, and the stubbornness of others in denying themselves happiness grated on my nerves, especially considering the urgency of their situations. Ultimately, I settled on a rating of 2.5, though rounded up to a 3.
The narrative revolves around love, loss, and the complex dynamics among parents, children, and siblings, featuring four sisters reminiscent of the characters in Little Women. While some plot elements echo those of the beloved classic, certain characters' selfish choices elicited anger, and the stubbornness of others in denying themselves happiness grated on my nerves, especially considering the urgency of their situations. Ultimately, I settled on a rating of 2.5, though rounded up to a 3.
manderzreadz's review against another edition
5.0
The BEST contemporary take on Little Women ever. Complex, flawed, yet lovable characters who show you that love, family, and friendships can get you through anything and at the end of the day, those are reasons worth living.
emsteps's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide attempt
jacobpetkovic's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A lot to like about this book - the multigenerational storytelling was very effective, and there’s a beautiful full circle moment at the end which is to die for.
The writing was mostly good, however verged on repetitive in parts. I found Napolitano laboured the point a few too many times (I really didn’t need that many descriptions of Julia’s hair) with little to no impact on the quality of the storytelling and/or character development.
For a story about womanhood and sisterhood, I was surprised the female characters weren’t as well developed as the male characters. Julia and Rose in particular were written in a too stereotypical manner to evoke any sort of deep sympathy. I also could have done without the overt parallels to Little Women, felt both lazy and unnecessary.
The writing was mostly good, however verged on repetitive in parts. I found Napolitano laboured the point a few too many times (I really didn’t need that many descriptions of Julia’s hair) with little to no impact on the quality of the storytelling and/or character development.
For a story about womanhood and sisterhood, I was surprised the female characters weren’t as well developed as the male characters. Julia and Rose in particular were written in a too stereotypical manner to evoke any sort of deep sympathy. I also could have done without the overt parallels to Little Women, felt both lazy and unnecessary.
annemariewhelehan's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A wonderful title for a wonderful book. When you read where the name of the book comes from, your heart will skip a beat.
It’s a multi generational family story, which shows the lasting impact of how we are nurtured when we are children.
I loved all the characters, didn’t necessarily agree with all their actions, but it was so easy to empathise with why they took the actions they did.
It’s an unusual family story, but you can easily see that it could happen in any family.
Beautiful writing. I’ve had this on my TBR for quite a while, so was delighted when I saw @dkammy lead a buddy read.
noukka's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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? Yes
4.5
whatjohanneread's review against another edition
I just don’t generally get on with family sagas. Not sure why, but I quite often find myself losing interest quite quickly.
breeleigh14's review against another edition
emotional
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? Yes
3.5
namaste_yall's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25