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serendipitysbooks's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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? Yes
4.0
Annie John is a coming of age novel set in Antigua. It follows Annie from when she is a small child until the time she leaves for England to train as a nurse. This is a relatively short and simple story told in a straightforward manner, yet it explores some meaty issues. One of the most interesting aspects of the novel for me was the evolving mother-daughter relationship. What was once close became fraught as Annie became older. I was also struck by the links between racism, colonialism and depression. The tension between scientific knowledge and traditional knowledge was also evident and obviously connected to previous issues, as was the tension between Annie’s academic achievements and her resentment at the colonial school system. I was also struck by how rigid gender roles were and what limited options were available to young women. I’d like to hope if Annie were coming of age today she’d have more choices and that her adolescence would be easier, although I’m not naive enough to think no problems would remain.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Colonisation, and Chronic illness
savvylit's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Annie John is a delightful narrator. The setting of small-town Antigua is evocative and richly described. This story follows Annie's childhood as she increasingly feels more and more disconnected from her own mother. Annie John is angsty in universally familiar ways both at school and home. Yet it's her fierce and independent spirit that makes her a unique and memorable narrator.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Chronic illness, and Bullying
Moderate: Sexual harassment
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