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quietdayreads's review against another edition
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content, Infertility, Pregnancy, and Medical trauma
madelinedalton's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-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? It's complicated
4.25
This book was so “me” and I gobbled it up. I’m 24 and do not want children, and I spend a lot of time thinking about how my life will change in my 30s when my friends have kids while I don’t. I felt so seen by Laura. Her relationship to motherhood and caring for children is exactly the same as mine. As I read, I constantly underlined quotes—not just about Laura, but about everything. Such a thought provoking and validating read!!
I do wish we had gotten a bit more background on how Alina went from not wanting kids to wanting one so badly that she’d pursue any available fertility treatment. It felt a bit sudden, and I was curious how she arrived at that decision, but I feel like I never got that. Laura’s growing affection for Nicolás also felt underdeveloped. I also found the ending a bit jarring and unsatisfying.
Overall, this was an excellent read and helped me get out of a reading slump!!
I do wish we had gotten a bit more background on how Alina went from not wanting kids to wanting one so badly that she’d pursue any available fertility treatment. It felt a bit sudden, and I was curious how she arrived at that decision, but I feel like I never got that. Laura’s growing affection for Nicolás also felt underdeveloped. I also found the ending a bit jarring and unsatisfying.
Overall, this was an excellent read and helped me get out of a reading slump!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical trauma, Child abuse, Infertility, Abandonment, Pregnancy, Medical content, and Grief
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Alcoholism
ali1vory's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Chronic illness, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Medical content and Child death
solasuaine's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Grief, Medical content, and Pregnancy
veelaughtland's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content, Medical trauma, Grief, Chronic illness, Emotional abuse, Alcohol, and Pregnancy
jouljet's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Pregnancy, Ableism, Domestic abuse, Grief, and Medical content
serendipitysbooks's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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? No
4.5
Still Born is the second book I’ve read from the International Booker longlist. Laura and Alina are best friends who have no desire to become mothers. Laura goes so far as having her tubes tied. Alina though eventually changes her mind and after some struggles becomes pregnant, but the pregnancy does not proceed smoothly. This slim but impactful book goes on to explore many facets of motherhood. Things like whether or not to become pregnant and continue a pregnancy, what can happen when a woman isn’t able to mother in the way she would like, the many and varied ways women can have input into a child’s life and make a real difference without becoming a mother, as well as some of the limits on those contributions. I thought the book did an especially good job sensitively depicting some of the realities of raising a disabled child, particularly dealing with all the unknowns. I appreciated the way the author allowed Laura and Alina’s friendship to continue. So often differing decisions about motherhood is portrayed as spelling the death of friendship between women so it was refreshing to see the author take a different tack. I loved the nuanced way the author explored issues surrounding motherhood, never offering or assuming a one-size-fits-all approach. I think my favourite part of the book was that it highlighted the fact that mothers don’t have to be everything for their child, and that mothers, children and others can all benefit from an “it takes a village” approach to child raising. One caveat I will add is that this book is very focussed on motherhood. Men, especially fathers are either absent or very much in the background.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Ableism, Domestic abuse, and Medical content
giulia_bis's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content, Toxic relationship, Domestic abuse, Pregnancy, Mental illness, and Death
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Child death, Infertility, Medical trauma, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders
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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