Reviews

Whose Names Are Unknown: A Novel by Sanora Babb

locopro's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

ladylizardxvii's review against another edition

5.0

I think the thing that has stuck with me about Whose Names Are Unknown is the fact that it didn't get published in the time it was written because Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath got published first. H O R R I F I C. I would have much rather read this in my high school sophomore English class. I love Babb's writing style (I listened to the book, and it was a VERY easy listen!) and I liked all the characters. They seemed so very human to me, with human reactions and emotions. Whose Names Are Unknown made the Great Depression era feel very real, and very close by.

callieisreading's review against another edition

dark inspiring reflective sad slow-paced

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

5.0

scylla87's review against another edition

adventurous emotional reflective 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

4.5

magdabirkmann's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.75

phoebe912's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad 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

4.75

islaofkiki's review against another edition

informative sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

elena_garbarino's review against another edition

emotional informative reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.75

aoosterwyk's review against another edition

5.0

Sonora Babb provided her notes to Steinbeck's publisher and then couldn't get her own book published because it was too similar. Go figure.
Similar, but in my opinion better. I love The Grapes of Wrath, but this blew my mind. The characters, plot, social commentary are all beautifully and subtly done. This book needs to be published for a wider audience, especially now with the recent furor surrounding Go Set a Watchman. We need to hear from more amazing women writers, especially those who never got their moment in the first place.
You don't want to miss this book!

sara_hudson's review against another edition

5.0

This book will stay with me for a long time. The story of the Dust Bowl and the westward trek of farm families from Oklahoma to California is told with such gentleness, compassion, and dignity. The prose is both straightforward and beautiful - no flights of fanciful language that would take away from the strength and challenges of the people, but still inspiring. I am anxious to read more by the author.