Reviews tagging 'Kidnapping'

The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson

4 reviews

frenandjen's review against another edition

challenging emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Miscarriage

Moderate: Kidnapping, Forced institutionalization, Classism, Medical trauma, Sexual assault, Violence, Toxic relationship, Racism, Pregnancy, Medical content, Infertility, Racial slurs, Child death, Blood, Abortion, and Religious bigotry

Minor: Slavery, Rape, Adult/minor relationship, Sexual harassment, and Sexual violence

hckilgour's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional informative sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.5

So I will say the book has good narration, likable characters, and an unsettling root in history. But the plot was… lacking in certain aspects.

My biggest issue was that it took over half the book for how the two women’s lives were even relevant to reveal itself. Which made me sit there and be like… what is the damn point. This could’ve easily been fixed but starting with grace/Wilhelmina being taken from Ruby, then backtracking to how it all started.

The epilogue left me wanted. Cool we know how Eleanor and family are doing. But then to have Ruby show up as the optometrist and that’s it. Like is Ruby still heartbroken by what happened, does she and shimmy ever work things out?

I’m also confused as to how the doctors thought a fourth miscarriage for Eleanor could’ve been life threatening? 

The historical aspect of this book is extremely unsettling. Worldwide having a baby before marriage carries a stigma. But to thing young girls who found themselves pregnant were treated so poorly and literally had their children stolen from them is sickening.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Racism, Pregnancy, Miscarriage, Classism, Infertility, Gaslighting, and Kidnapping

Minor: Racial slurs, Sexual assault, and Abortion

smkelly1997's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I was continuously drawn in throughout this book. It was hard to but down, heartbreaking, and yet an amazing read. I loved the intertwining and parallels between Ruby and Eleanor. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Medical content, Medical trauma, Sexism, Classism, Emotional abuse, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Child abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual assault, Grief, Kidnapping, Miscarriage, Religious bigotry, Forced institutionalization, and Infertility

noble_editorial's review against another edition

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This is an incredible novel! It's an evocative commentary on how class and race intersect, but also a stirring, often heartrending, exploration of motherhood. The history captured by the author is fascinating, as is her exploration of colorism within the Black community. It often feels uncomfortable, as it should. However, this book goes well beyond a searing critique of American society and norms in the 1950s; all of the traditional storytelling elements are equally strong, creating an immersive and emotional experience for the reader. The time period is captured exquisitely, there's a cast of complex but relatable and (mostly) likable characters, the story is perfectly plotted and paced, and the stakes feel real. This was a joy to read!

Thank you to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Physical abuse, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Infertility, Medical trauma, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual harassment, Body shaming, Classism, Emotional abuse, Pregnancy, Miscarriage, Sexual assault, and Kidnapping