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nadia's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-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? It's complicated
3.5
I really appreciated this story of a single, black, British, 37-year old woman navigating the dating scene and society's expectations of her, and her hopes for herself. It was fun, emotional, and reflective.
There were times when my engagement with the book did dip and there were some depictions of spirituality that left me a little on the fence, but overall I'm really glad I read this book and there are some things I'm taking away to apply to my own dating life.
There were times when my engagement with the book did dip and there were some depictions of spirituality that left me a little on the fence, but overall I'm really glad I read this book and there are some things I'm taking away to apply to my own dating life.
Content Warnings
Minor: Abortion
readingwithkt's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Wow, this book really hit me emotionally.
We follow Symona who is on a journey to find a life partner, desperate to have a child of her own. She is 39 and her biological clock is ticking. The only problem is that she can't find a partner that she wants to have children with, and she's starting to wonder if Mr. Right is out there at all.
More than a straightforward romance, this is a deep character study of Symona. We follow her dating life, her reflections on what she wants from a partner, her exploration of her sexuality, learning about herself through therapy and journalling, and ultimately learning to fully accept and love herself following some really difficult life experiences.
This book is full of surprises. Everytime that I thought we were on a steady path, something else came along that totally took me by surprise. I could never predict what Symona would do next, or where life would take her, but I loved following her journey and found myself really taken by her (even shedding a tear by the end, reflecting on her character and experiences in the book).
I'd really recommend this if you like non-traditional romances, books set in London, or books following women who are on personal journeys.
The ending had my full heart - bloody loved that. Are we getting a sequel though? Because I think I might need one. Whatever they publish next, I'll definitely be reading more from Lisa Bent.
We follow Symona who is on a journey to find a life partner, desperate to have a child of her own. She is 39 and her biological clock is ticking. The only problem is that she can't find a partner that she wants to have children with, and she's starting to wonder if Mr. Right is out there at all.
More than a straightforward romance, this is a deep character study of Symona. We follow her dating life, her reflections on what she wants from a partner, her exploration of her sexuality, learning about herself through therapy and journalling, and ultimately learning to fully accept and love herself following some really difficult life experiences.
This book is full of surprises. Everytime that I thought we were on a steady path, something else came along that totally took me by surprise. I could never predict what Symona would do next, or where life would take her, but I loved following her journey and found myself really taken by her (even shedding a tear by the end, reflecting on her character and experiences in the book).
I'd really recommend this if you like non-traditional romances, books set in London, or books following women who are on personal journeys.
The ending had my full heart - bloody loved that. Are we getting a sequel though? Because I think I might need one. Whatever they publish next, I'll definitely be reading more from Lisa Bent.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Abortion, Grief, and Infidelity
Note: this book contains an incidence of revenge porn/upskirting/nude pictures taken and shared without the knowledge of the individual. It also references the fetishisation of Black women by white men.abbie_'s review
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Book number two in my and Nadia’s @the.storygraph journey to read all the Jacaranda 20 in 2020 books was a definitive success for me! Symona’s Still Single is funny, moving, and thoughtful and I absolutely loved Symona! She’s approaching 40 and I enjoy reading contemporary romances with protagonists who aren’t just 20.
.
It’s semi-based on the author Lisa Bent’s
experiences navigating the dating world as a Black woman, and it’s hilarious, cringey, infuriating and emotional all in good measure! Bent is also a counsellor and that shines through in her writing, as Symona tries to learn who she is and exactly what she wants. As well as love, it also tackles complex family relationships and calls out everyday racism in the UK - like how Symona is constantly passed over for promotions at work despite being the most qualified person there.
.
Symona is such a loveable character, you really feel like you’re celebrating her triumphs and commiserating with her disappointments right there with her. I loved reading about a Black woman striving for the love, happiness, growth and success she deserves!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abortion
the_literarylinguist's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
In 2016 Symona is 37 and single, with her biological clock ticking. I listened to Lisa Bent talking about her book at Jacaranda's 20 in 2020 Festival; it was one of the books which hooked me from the reading of the first chapter. I also enjoyed Bent's spoken style and thought any book which was infused with that voice would be great. The story flips from Symona's memories of dating to her actually beginning to date again.
Symona is a warm character with a level of self-knowledge and confidence that is both moving and admirable. Instantly likeable, she sets about navigating relationships as a Black woman trying to date in London with the support of her incredible friends.
The chapters of the first half sometimes felt a little disjointed, as they were often a series of memories. There were also the occasional lapses in spelling, punctuation or grammar of the narration. However, I loved the second half of the book where Bent brought in her counselling expertise to take Symona on a journey of growth and healing. While there are emotional moments, reading this book ultimately brought a sense of peace and calm. Bent's reflective style and emphasis on inner spiritual work was touching. And, of course, I loved the all-important ending.
Symona is a warm character with a level of self-knowledge and confidence that is both moving and admirable. Instantly likeable, she sets about navigating relationships as a Black woman trying to date in London with the support of her incredible friends.
The chapters of the first half sometimes felt a little disjointed, as they were often a series of memories. There were also the occasional lapses in spelling, punctuation or grammar of the narration. However, I loved the second half of the book where Bent brought in her counselling expertise to take Symona on a journey of growth and healing. While there are emotional moments, reading this book ultimately brought a sense of peace and calm. Bent's reflective style and emphasis on inner spiritual work was touching. And, of course, I loved the all-important ending.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Abortion, Infidelity, and Racism
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