Scan barcode
katharina90's review against another edition
dark
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.5
This book left me with mixed emotions.
I appreciated the glimpses into what life was like in an impoverished Naples neighborhood in the 1950s and beyond.
I came away with the impression that it was dark and violent, particularly for women, and that the rampant sexism of this time and place deeply affected female friendships, often turning them toxic and jealous rather than supportive and empowering.
While this may be accurate and valuable from an educational standpoint, I didn't find it very enjoyable to read. It made the characters really unlikeable and so I wasn't invested in their story. I just wanted to get through it.
I appreciated the glimpses into what life was like in an impoverished Naples neighborhood in the 1950s and beyond.
I came away with the impression that it was dark and violent, particularly for women, and that the rampant sexism of this time and place deeply affected female friendships, often turning them toxic and jealous rather than supportive and empowering.
While this may be accurate and valuable from an educational standpoint, I didn't find it very enjoyable to read. It made the characters really unlikeable and so I wasn't invested in their story. I just wanted to get through it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Child abuse, Toxic friendship, and Sexism
Minor: Homophobia, Racism, Fatphobia, Ableism, and Racial slurs
baruss666's review
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Minor: Gun violence and Fatphobia
More...