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carriepond'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? No
4.75
This book was so captivating. The characters, the setting, and the events of the novel were so layered and authentic, and it was very clear from the beginning how well-researched it is. (Like, even to the smallest details--one example: I had no idea that a common pregnancy test during this time was the "frog test," where a woman's urine was injected into a frog, and if the frog spawned, it confirmed pregnancy). I was immediately invested in both Ruby and Eleanor's stories (especially Ruby, she has my heart), and the way Johnson alternates every other chapter from each of their perspectives kept me turning page after page. This book explores race, gender, and social inequities in compelling and nuanced ways, and you really feel for the women in the novel.
I loved this impeccably researched historical fiction with complex and well-written female leads. Highly recommend to those who enjoy woman's fiction or historical fiction.
Graphic: Miscarriage, Classism, Pregnancy, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Forced institutionalization, Medical trauma, and Abortion
Minor: Rape
drownedinfictionx's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Forced institutionalization, Miscarriage, Medical trauma, Self harm, Medical content, Emotional abuse, Religious bigotry, Abortion, Racism, and Suicide attempt
maddiet425's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Confinement, Forced institutionalization, Religious bigotry, Blood, Medical content, Racial slurs, Pregnancy, Grief, Medical trauma, Miscarriage, and Infertility
Moderate: Abortion, Classism, Religious bigotry, Racism, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Rape, and Sexual assault
editoryalizing'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? No
4.25
Graphic: Pregnancy, Medical trauma, Adult/minor relationship, Xenophobia, Miscarriage, Abandonment, Forced institutionalization, Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, Religious bigotry, Trafficking, Infertility, and Gaslighting
inked_in_pages's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Racism, Racial slurs, and Miscarriage
Moderate: Pedophilia, Classism, and Forced institutionalization
noble_editorial'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
Thank you to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Moderate: Physical abuse, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Infertility, Medical trauma, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual harassment, Body shaming, Classism, Emotional abuse, Pregnancy, Miscarriage, Sexual assault, and Kidnapping