Reviews

January by Sara Gallardo

jordanian_reads_'s review against another edition

4.0

Upon its original publication it in 1958, Sara Gallardo’s controversial feminist novella made waves in Argentina. Set in a conservative community in the pampas, January is an unsparing account of sixteen-year-old Nefer who guards the secret of her pregnancy while cycling between fear, anger and misery.

I thought the English translation by Riddle and Shaughnessy was excellent. The way they expressed Nefer’s inner turmoil and feeling of claustrophobia as she outwardly goes about her normal day was propulsive, and I read January in one sitting. Further, I found myself gripped by the vivid descriptions of the stifling heat and stark setting. For all that the English translation comes seventy years later, Nefer’s private bind feels extremely contemporary.

Thank you to Archipelago and NetGalley for the advanced readers copy!

bethanymv's review

challenging dark reflective medium-paced

5.0

excellent_taste's review against another edition

emotional mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

logantmartin's review

reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

kjoiiooi's review

dark emotional sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

5.0

javansutton's review

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

dabuknriot's review

dark emotional sad slow-paced

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

4.5

bigbooklover69's review

dark mysterious sad tense slow-paced

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

3.5

colormemolly's review

reflective

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.75

noura_alsabahi's review

challenging emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0