Reviews

Woman Last Seen in Her Thirties by Camille Pagán

courtthebookgirl's review

3.0

I enjoyed this book. The characters were likable and the story interesting. I wasn’t blown away by it, but it was an engaging read that kept me interested enough to finish it. I enjoyed Ms. Pagan’s writing tremendously.

melindamoor's review

3.0

2.75 stars

I requested this ARC, because I found the title intriguing and that alone made me think and reflect on Things-In-Life.
Despite the cover blurb revealing the gist of the story, I was somehow hoping for more... more depth, layers, insight, inner journey. So maybe it was a mistake on my part to start reading with these expectations in mind, but I couldn't help them, they were there and unfortunately they were not met. Pretty much everything was kept close to the surface.

This does not mean that the book was bad, not at all. It was a nice read altogether with an OK, but very generic story. There is not really anything to make it stand out among the others of its kind. It is about how a woman in her fifties has to start life all over again, re-discovering herself in the process.
When it came to her travel to Rome, I started to get nervous, getting some very unwelcome [b:Eat, Pray, Love|19501|Eat, Pray, Love|Elizabeth Gilbert|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1503066414s/19501.jpg|3352398]-vibes (am not a fan of that book, in case you are curious). I think the author must have been conscious of this herself as there was a direct, tongue-in-cheek denial about it.

The writing was good, but bland and did not really help me connecting to Maggie.

Closing conclusion: if you are in need of some hen-lit, go for it, just don't expect anything earth-shattering.

ARC received by the Publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

inliterarylove's review

5.0

This is a book that will resonate with many women. As soon as I started reading it, I knew-you will see a part of yourself in Maggie. No matter your age. Having what is possibly a 3rd quarter life crisis, her husband up and leaves her, shattering everything she thought happy and stable. So after the required and expected wallowing, she Eat Pray Loves it for a hot minute and decides then and there, it is finally time for some self care. Woman Last Seen in Her Thirties is fiction yes, but I guarantee women will be reading their own story. Pagán nails it once again.

I received an Advanced Review Copy. All opinions are mine.

bfth23's review

3.0

I'm indecisive about this novel; and this novel's main character is just as indecisive. Not sure that I really liked anyone in the book...

ashleymariereads's review against another edition

lighthearted medium-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

kellimac's review

4.0

Enjoyable, light-hearted read, or listen. Even when you know the ending, do you really know the ending? It takes some skill to lay out a seemingly obvious plot and still keep the reader guessing the whole way through. I intend to read, or listen, to more from this author.

amielizabeth's review

3.0

Heartwarming

I really liked this. Not earth shattering, but solid writing and a good character. I love books about "older" women. Excellent beach read!

chenreads's review

3.0

Interesting read

I thought it was an interesting read. Not super climactic but a great coming of age story for all women

crolovr's review

4.0

Camille Pagan's Woman Last Seen in Her Thirties is about 53 year old Maggie who left her career as a Social Worker to raise her family. Her husband of 30 years comes home one day to say he wants a divorce and she wonders what her purpose is in world. She takes a trip to Rome, moves to a new town, takes a new job, and finds new love. She is slowly trying to find her new place in the world when tragedy strikes. She begins to question her new choices and what direction she should take for the future. This book is at times funny and emotional. I think every woman in some way can relate to Maggie's story. Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for an arc of this book and this is my honest review.

bookingood's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I was very immersed in this book and then I realized I seldom read books about married older women. This came as a surprise to me when I made this realization because I really liked this book. I finished the audiobook in lesson than a day. The novel follows Maggie as she is confronted with her husband asking for a divorce. Blindsighted and I’m shambles Maggie wanders through her life aimless and hoping to get Adam back. When it was clear her marriage was over Maggie sought to pick up the pieces of her broken life. What ensues is the struggle of growing pains and basically starting over after 20+ years of marriage with two grown adult children to show for it. I enjoyed Maggie’s character and she was very relatable and I am pretty sure I know of a few people who are “Adam-like”. Adam pissed me off to no end, the nerve of this man….
Anyway, no spoilers here but definitely a good read that you will fly right through!