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krobart's review against another edition
4.0
See my review here:
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2021/08/30/review-1714-girl/
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2021/08/30/review-1714-girl/
olivia_holmes's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
piedwarbler's review against another edition
3.0
Harrowing subject matter, told through a distant, cool, almost objective narrative viewpoint. Emotions are implied rather than depicted. Events are sketched out in bare prose that leaves the reader to imagine the full horrors of what these girls went through, and are still going through.
It’s a tough read, especially as it’s full of researched truth. I found reading it somewhat of an ordeal, difficult at times to carry on reading, but it’s a necessary read that is bravely written. I am not sure O’Brien nails it; her use of the present tense to jolt you into the realisation that yes, this is here, and now, and it’s happening for real, doesn’t quite work for me, but then again, the events speak for themselves and I don’t think any stylistic elements add to what is an appalling story of inhumanity, torture and abuse.
I see some reviewers have considered whether this is a story that should be told by an Irish woman; surely all novels are appropriation in some way, shape or form, and I feel this is such an important story that it is a positive that it’s been told by such a lauded writer as Edna O’Brien - she has reach which means, I hope, that this book will be read by a wide audience.
It’s a tough read, especially as it’s full of researched truth. I found reading it somewhat of an ordeal, difficult at times to carry on reading, but it’s a necessary read that is bravely written. I am not sure O’Brien nails it; her use of the present tense to jolt you into the realisation that yes, this is here, and now, and it’s happening for real, doesn’t quite work for me, but then again, the events speak for themselves and I don’t think any stylistic elements add to what is an appalling story of inhumanity, torture and abuse.
I see some reviewers have considered whether this is a story that should be told by an Irish woman; surely all novels are appropriation in some way, shape or form, and I feel this is such an important story that it is a positive that it’s been told by such a lauded writer as Edna O’Brien - she has reach which means, I hope, that this book will be read by a wide audience.
aepatton's review against another edition
Like everyone else says I’m confused why this is written by a white woman
lizzyqd's review against another edition
challenging
dark
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
procristinatixn's review against another edition
Don’t bother with this book. I just couldn’t finish it. It tells the story of the girls who were kidnapped by Boko Haram in Nigeria but it goes through some extremely traumatic events in such a cold and detached manner that I just can’t be bothered. I don’t like the way she writes. One event happens and then the next starts with no moment of reflection or real emotion coming through.
cazinthehat's review against another edition
3.0
My first Edna O’Brien and I am extremely keen to read more. She’s a fantastic writer, from what I can gather from this book. It just petered out a bit towards the end. But the first two thirds were devastating and brilliant.
strawfly14's review against another edition
2.0
Prometía y el argumento me llamó muchísimo, y aunque el tema que trata es muy interesante y tiene momentos de lectura difícil, no ha terminado de convencerme. No me ha transmitido nada y se me ha hecho muy plano, no he conseguido que me generara ninguna emoción ni sensación. Se me ha quedado corto, no de páginas, sino de algo. Me ha faltado algo.
phona's review against another edition
1.0
aghhhh this book was just not meant to be a book--it's just so emotionally detached that it would function better as an educational piece. also girlie couldn't stick to one tense like help
so many bad things happened to mc but they just happened and the story progressed (she just moved on)--again with the emotionally detached stuff.
great intentions but oh my stars horrendous execution
so many bad things happened to mc but they just happened and the story progressed (she just moved on)--again with the emotionally detached stuff.
great intentions but oh my stars horrendous execution