Reviews

The Wonders by Elena Medel

tmathews0330's review

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2.0

DNF There are a few potentially redeeming factors - the writing is honest and doesn't box in the characters. But overall, it is hard to follow. I wonder how much got lost in translation and how much is just an experiment that I feel is a little too experimental.

shirleytupperfreeman's review

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This slim novel packs a fairly depressing punch. Family dysfunction, intergenerational teen pregnancies, and low socio-economic status make for challenging lives - two of which are portrayed here. Maria and Alicia, two generations apart, make life choices which are costly for the people around them. It's interesting to consider whether they are just selfish or whether they are trying to maintain some control over lives which feel mostly out of control. A thought-provoking but disheartening read.

filiparferreira's review against another edition

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4.0

Uma história familiar no feminino, cheia de tristeza e desamor e também com problemas de dinheiro. Tão desolador. Mas muito bem escrito.

brendapim's review

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fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

carolineabeachum's review

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2.0

I was initially very intrigued by this book- the idea of two different women of two different times coming together at a Women's March.

But I was ultimately very confused about what was happening most of the book- maybe not what was happening by why?

I did discover this book is the translated version of a Spanish novel, which explains some of the instances of strange syntax.

Ultimately, this book was not for me. I struggled to get through it and be motivated to read.

andrea_nucak's review

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

4.5

opmemoeder's review

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3.0

3.5/5

starvingsmellyfoot's review

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5.0

Todos os livros que li este ano tornaram-me mais feminista: ou porque são misóginos e me revoltam, ou pelo motivo contrário - porque descrevem incrivelmente a experiência de ser uma mulher sujeita a uma sociedade patriarcal, e me lembram de tudo o que foi alcançado e tudo o que ainda falta alcançar.

Este está no segundo grupo.

bobthebookerer's review

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4.0

This is an interesting and clever book, telling the stories of two women, separated by time, as they both navigate the politics and expectations of their respective times.

Where this book soon becomes particularly special is in how the shadows of a previous time- and the actions, both big and small of its actors- loom large over the events of the current time.

This book has a real urgency and vibrancy to it, which I found fascinating.

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

juliakudla's review

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sad tense fast-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? Yes

3.75