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abrodzeller's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
jnowal's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
britreadsbooks's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
It's a good book but I'm not sure I enjoyed it. All of the characters are messy and not wholly good or bad and they all make mistakes. It's a tough but good read I think.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abortion
missyjohnson's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this book but it did get a little monotonous in bits. There were a few good issues to consider that really do not have a correct answer and would make excellent discussion points for a book group. It was a bit unnerving recognizing the similarities to my own life as we live in a “planned” community like Shaker Heights. Maybe not all of the same restrictions and regulations but unnervingly close. following the rules and breaking free of rules.......... Who is “best” to raise a child, the biological or adoptive parents. Complex issues.
melsabel's review against another edition
emotional
slow-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
3.5
kateivy's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
For the first 100 pages, I had quite middling feelings about this novel. But once the adoption became central to the story, I was hooked. I loved how Ng analyzed humanity with this seemingly innocuous experience: adoption. I loved how we were able to explore all the different members of the family, as well as the townspeople. And, as a white woman, I had to face the fact that I have some alarming similarities between Mrs. Richardson that I was forced to reckon with. It was uncomfortable at times, but good to do. It was a fascinating read, and I'm excited to watch the adaptation!
eleanormhilde's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
mollyss's review against another edition
3.0
I feel like this had the potential to be better. I wasn’t that gripped and also felt like I had to really force myself to finish it despite the storyline in theory being quite spicy. Was hoping as a Reece book club book it would be a bit better tbh
kat7890erina's review against another edition
5.0
This is a beautiful portrait of motherhood in all its complications, wrapped in mystery, conflict, and the trappings or race and class in America.