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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
This was so depressing. I made myself finish it and I wish I had just stopped reading it rather than go through all of that abuse and misery by so many women.
3.5
It took me a long time to stop comparing this book to Life After Life, which is totally my fault. I went in thinking it was going to be a version of that when it wasn’t at all. So just know this - it’s not a book about a woman who does and is reborn 7 or eight times...
I did enjoy this book, specifically the latter half. I’m not one to give spoilers away, so the only thing I’ll say is I came out of this book wondering more about my own grandmother’s life. 16 years after her death, some shocking secrets came out. When that happens, there’s no way to get any explanation or closure. Anger and blame soon follow. But now, I find myself looking back on what I know about her family (unfortunately, the similarities between Stella’s father and my grandma’s father are strong) and the roles, rights and expectations for women of that time and I find my anger and disappoint waning while my curiosity and empathy increase.
I think the author wanted us to think more about the voiceless women of the last century in our families who did the best they could raising families, but who no one bothered to understand. The (immigrant) housewives of the mid 20th century in the US have been ignored. Maybe their stories deserve more attention.
It took me a long time to stop comparing this book to Life After Life, which is totally my fault. I went in thinking it was going to be a version of that when it wasn’t at all. So just know this - it’s not a book about a woman who does and is reborn 7 or eight times...
I did enjoy this book, specifically the latter half. I’m not one to give spoilers away, so the only thing I’ll say is I came out of this book wondering more about my own grandmother’s life. 16 years after her death, some shocking secrets came out. When that happens, there’s no way to get any explanation or closure. Anger and blame soon follow. But now, I find myself looking back on what I know about her family (unfortunately, the similarities between Stella’s father and my grandma’s father are strong) and the roles, rights and expectations for women of that time and I find my anger and disappoint waning while my curiosity and empathy increase.
I think the author wanted us to think more about the voiceless women of the last century in our families who did the best they could raising families, but who no one bothered to understand. The (immigrant) housewives of the mid 20th century in the US have been ignored. Maybe their stories deserve more attention.
so good! i think one of the deaths bored me a bit. but otherwise so good!
A meandering account of the life of a fictionalized Italian immigrant. Parts were interesting, others could have used much tighter editing, and I didn’t necessarily care for the format.
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is a book I shouldn't like. I don't gravitate to character-driven novels. I don't choose books that make me sad or distressed or uncomfortable — especially in 2020. I don't want to read about abuse, rape, or broken hearts. But, Stella got me good. Poor, poor Stella. Lucky, lucky Stella.