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madameroyale's review against another edition
4.0
I love Betty Smith’s writing, so I think I was always going to love this book, but the first few chapters were quite trying. I find it so odd that this book is marketed as a story of true love triumphing against all odds, when the opening thirty pages contain multiple scenes of attempted marital rape by the husband against the main character.
I’ve rarely ever hated a character as much as I hate Carl in this book. But what I loved about the novel is Annie: her resilience, kindness, and hopefulness. It goes without saying that she deserved so much more in a partner, but it is gratifying to see a young woman finding her independence and success in spite of a condescending and paternalistic husband. She got as happy of a happy ending as could be hoped for under the circumstances of the time period.
What I love most about Betty Smith is how she manages to convey such simple and everyday things as wonderful and special. This book makes for an incredibly frustrating read in the 21st century, sure, but it’s still very well done. I love a plain, old novel about people’s daily lives and struggles and that’s just what this is. Seemingly simple and yet it still hits you with these moments of deep introspection every few dozen pages.
I’ve rarely ever hated a character as much as I hate Carl in this book. But what I loved about the novel is Annie: her resilience, kindness, and hopefulness. It goes without saying that she deserved so much more in a partner, but it is gratifying to see a young woman finding her independence and success in spite of a condescending and paternalistic husband. She got as happy of a happy ending as could be hoped for under the circumstances of the time period.
What I love most about Betty Smith is how she manages to convey such simple and everyday things as wonderful and special. This book makes for an incredibly frustrating read in the 21st century, sure, but it’s still very well done. I love a plain, old novel about people’s daily lives and struggles and that’s just what this is. Seemingly simple and yet it still hits you with these moments of deep introspection every few dozen pages.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
The husband attempts to rape his young wife multiple times in the first thirty or so pages of the book. There are also a number of vague references to (what the reader can assume is) past sexual assault or rape by her stepfather.lectora21's review
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Cancer, and Sexual assault
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