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amycrehore's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-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? It's complicated
4.5
This book gutted me. I texted my friend halfway through that I was equal parts shock, anger, sadness, queasiness. This is not an easy book to read, especially if you are a mother or hope to be one. But the reflections on motherhood and womanhood were profound and the prose was beautiful. Excellent translation, quick read. I devoured it in just a couple days.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility, Terminal illness, Child death, Pregnancy, Abortion, Chronic illness, and Medical trauma
alexisgarcia's review against another edition
dark
emotional
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? Yes
5.0
a raw portrait of womanhood in the decision to have or not have children. a very important and powerful little book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Infertility, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Pregnancy, Toxic friendship, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Miscarriage, Death, Blood, Medical content, Abortion, Child death, Infidelity, Grief, Medical trauma, Sexual content, and Terminal illness
booksandabackpack's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Pregnancy, Infertility, and Terminal illness
paulap's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This was a heart wrenching account of motherhood. I like how nuance it is. There are three main characters that are connected through the characteristics of life: Laura is the narrator, and she sterilized herself because she knew she did not want children, but she does not hate them either; Alina is her fried, and originally didn’t want children, but changed her mind and struggles with infertility and then with a malformation on her newborn that will kill the baby when it’s born; and Doris, Laura’s neighbor, who has a 8 year old boy that struggles with behavior because of his abusive father.
This is not a book about how great having children is, or how they reduce and limit their mothers live, but how both things exists and how anyone can be thankful and reject children depending on the situation.
There is also a lot of emotional connection. In the parts about the diagnosis of the newborn, I felt a knot in my throat because of all the baggage.
One small aspect that felt a bit forced is the parallels that the book tries to make with certain pigeons in Laura’s roof and the situation with both of the children in the book.
Overall I really enjoyed and made an emotional impact on me.
This is not a book about how great having children is, or how they reduce and limit their mothers live, but how both things exists and how anyone can be thankful and reject children depending on the situation.
There is also a lot of emotional connection. In the parts about the diagnosis of the newborn, I felt a knot in my throat because of all the baggage.
One small aspect that felt a bit forced is the parallels that the book tries to make with certain pigeons in Laura’s roof and the situation with both of the children in the book.
Overall I really enjoyed and made an emotional impact on me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Terminal illness
toria's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Still Born
by Guadalupe Nettel
I have a few things the same before I start reviewing this book. Firstly, thanks to the publishers for allowing me to see this book and give you an honest review. Secondly, this book is a Challenging read, which may prove triggering to some readers. It includes descriptions of: difficult familial relationships, childbirth and its difficulties, discussions of the abortion/termination of children, etc.. However, if you feel strong enough to read this challenging book. Then it is well worth the challenge. It is a well-written, emotionally engaging work; which looks at very important issues. It’s another win for Fitzcarraldo.
by Guadalupe Nettel
I have a few things the same before I start reviewing this book. Firstly, thanks to the publishers for allowing me to see this book and give you an honest review. Secondly, this book is a Challenging read, which may prove triggering to some readers. It includes descriptions of: difficult familial relationships, childbirth and its difficulties, discussions of the abortion/termination of children, etc.. However, if you feel strong enough to read this challenging book. Then it is well worth the challenge. It is a well-written, emotionally engaging work; which looks at very important issues. It’s another win for Fitzcarraldo.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical trauma, Pregnancy, Terminal illness, Child abuse, Child death, Domestic abuse, Grief, and Medical content
Discussions concerning the value of disabled people.
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