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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
reflective
slow-paced
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Within one chapter of this book I realised exactly what I was about to read because I’d read it with the “13th tale” and then again in the “seven husbands”
The writing was ok but the pacing was off and as I’d essentially already read this same plot twice before it would need more to elevate than this book achieved.
The writing was ok but the pacing was off and as I’d essentially already read this same plot twice before it would need more to elevate than this book achieved.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual assault
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I thoroughly enjoyed and identified with this the dialect and sayings like “yuh cuh hide and buy land but yuh can’t hide and work it.” I enjoyed the way the story transitioned between past and present day. I laughed, I got mad (at Winslow and Joan
medium-paced
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Girl With The Hazel Eyes is a historical fiction novel using the country's journey towards independence, as a backdrop for discussing racism, poverty, colonialism, mental health, and patriarchy.
Browning's writing flows beautifully and evokes vivid imagery. Her descriptions of life during the 1950s and 60s in Barbados reminded me of anecdotes from my own family. So much so that many times while reading, I put the book down to call my mom or auntie to learn more about their experiences.
This book allowed me to connect with and think about my Bajan heritage in a way I hadn't before. For that, I'm truly grateful.
Browning's writing flows beautifully and evokes vivid imagery. Her descriptions of life during the 1950s and 60s in Barbados reminded me of anecdotes from my own family. So much so that many times while reading, I put the book down to call my mom or auntie to learn more about their experiences.
This book allowed me to connect with and think about my Bajan heritage in a way I hadn't before. For that, I'm truly grateful.
adventurous
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
So much history told in such a creative and interesting way. I love the characters. I love thi fictional memoir like story and the ending made me feel good and complete
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia
Attempted rape
I am so happy I was able to add The Girl with the Hazel Eyes by Callie Browning to my summer of reading Caribbean TBR list. This novel centers on two women, Cordelia aka Lia & author Susan Taylor. Susan is ready to write her biography, so she reaches out Lia an aspiring writer to assist her. When Lia accepts she is over the moon for this opportunity to jump start her career.
As the story moves forward Lia learns that this “opportunity of a lifetime’ was not by chance. Something deeper and darker is being revealed and she is determined to dig up the truth.
OMG! This story had me pulling my hair out. Lol, I was literally yelling at the book “OMG!” Are you kidding me!” “The Lies! The Lies!” Browning’s writing style is truly something, I’ve never visited Barbados, but her imagery of the island had me feeling the sands between my toes. The connection between characters and all the twist and turns will keep you wanting more.
If you enjoy an adrenaline rush read, then I highly recommend you pick up this book. Thank you to the author for gifting me this copy in exchange for an honest review.
As the story moves forward Lia learns that this “opportunity of a lifetime’ was not by chance. Something deeper and darker is being revealed and she is determined to dig up the truth.
OMG! This story had me pulling my hair out. Lol, I was literally yelling at the book “OMG!” Are you kidding me!” “The Lies! The Lies!” Browning’s writing style is truly something, I’ve never visited Barbados, but her imagery of the island had me feeling the sands between my toes. The connection between characters and all the twist and turns will keep you wanting more.
If you enjoy an adrenaline rush read, then I highly recommend you pick up this book. Thank you to the author for gifting me this copy in exchange for an honest review.
Susan Taylor is a recluse Barbadian author who had to flee to the United States after she published a book whistleblowing some of the government officials who were doing some really shady things. Susan has spent 50 years in The USA and she is not exactly warm and welcoming to Cordelia “Lia”, an author who she has sought out and invited to write her biography. Lia is from Barbados and needs the money which is why she continues to put up with Susan’s rudeness.
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I really enjoyed the emotional journey I went on with the characters. They were written in such a human and flawed way with such complexities, that I could see them as real people. Their growth and interactions were so easily relatable and believable.
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This was such a good book. We’ve got dual timelines (50’s-60’s Barbados and present day America), dual perspectives (Lia and Susan) and a juicy plot. I felt that the writing was really well done and while it was really interesting it was also super educational in the mini history lesson you get about Barbados.
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10 extra points for the Alberta, Canada mention because we never get shoutouts!
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There are some heavier topics including: Attempted rape, domestic violence, toxic relationships, mental health struggles, sexism.
This is a debut novel written by a Barbadian author which was recently released. I adore the cover and the synopsis was enough to make me pick it up when it was free on Amazon.
With a similar scenario to The Thirteenth Tale, an established and reclusive author invites a young girl to hear her life story and publish the biography. The Girl with Hazel Eyes, has a dual timeline that flowed almost perfectly. From Susan Taylor’s telling we relive the halcyon days of pre-Independence Barbados until a year afterwards. The village life was pitch perfect. A great way to learn more about this island’s past. She even included a fictional aspect to the lead-up to November 1966.
For me, the last few chapters were rushed. This book could have easily been a bit longer to flesh out the ruthless nature of a certain character. And whilst I can appreciate why the details were scant, I wasn’t ready for it to end. I wanted a bit more of Lia and Susan.
Definitely would recommend this book for anyone interested in Caribbean literature.
With a similar scenario to The Thirteenth Tale, an established and reclusive author invites a young girl to hear her life story and publish the biography. The Girl with Hazel Eyes, has a dual timeline that flowed almost perfectly. From Susan Taylor’s telling we relive the halcyon days of pre-Independence Barbados until a year afterwards. The village life was pitch perfect. A great way to learn more about this island’s past. She even included a fictional aspect to the lead-up to November 1966.
For me, the last few chapters were rushed. This book could have easily been a bit longer to flesh out the ruthless nature of a certain character. And whilst I can appreciate why the details were scant, I wasn’t ready for it to end. I wanted a bit more of Lia and Susan.
Definitely would recommend this book for anyone interested in Caribbean literature.