Scan barcode
jennastopreading's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Martha's character was wise, endearing, and no nonsense. I found her likable and honorable and I loved being in her head. As a loving mother and a smart business woman, Martha was incredibly hard working and intelligent. She was kind but firm and stuck up for herself and those who were on the fringes of society when necessary - the definition of a strong female main character.
I am absolutely fascinated by birth and the ways that women were cared for before the invention of modern medicine, and this book spared no details on the subject. It was so beautifully described and showed the grace and power of women bringing life into this world.
Last but not least, Ephraim Ballard - he has my heart. Such a gentleman and the epitome of a strong, protective, loyal husband. I love him.
So many TW's for this book, so please take care before reading it if you are a sensitive reader.
Graphic: Pregnancy, Rape, and Blood
Moderate: Child death, Pandemic/Epidemic, Miscarriage, and Sexism
celery's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Misogyny, Murder, Religious bigotry, Body shaming, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Ableism, Classism, Death, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexual harassment, Terminal illness, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Violence, Abandonment, Medical content, Animal death, Fatphobia, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Child death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Racial slurs, Sexism, Alcohol, Chronic illness, Grief, Infidelity, Medical trauma, Police brutality, Blood, Body horror, Colonisation, Gaslighting, Pregnancy, Vomit, Cursing, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Miscarriage, Rape, War, Abortion, Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Fire/Fire injury, Gore, Pandemic/Epidemic, and Sexual content
turrean's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I found myself furious at times at the misogyny, sexism, and casual cruelty toward women so evident in every event in the story, and at the same time, so grateful to people like Martha, Doctor, and Elspeth fighting for the dignity of each person. I am not certain how much of Martha’s sane, reasoned, and generous outlook on things like race, illegitimacy, medicine, and the patriarchy reflect this admittedly amazing historical person, and what reflects the desires of the modern writer and reader.
The mystical presence of the fox felt a bit…intrusive? But people find spiritual comfort in many things.
Graphic: Death, Rape, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Medical content and Child death
Minor: Pandemic/Epidemic
mtnest's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Blood, Death, Sexual assault, Child death, Misogyny, Sexual violence, Medical content, Pregnancy, Rape, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Drug use, Grief, Toxic relationship, Pandemic/Epidemic, Emotional abuse, Alcohol, Classism, and Chronic illness
Minor: Sexual content, Racism, Fire/Fire injury, and War