Reviews

Being Magdalene by Fleur Beale

emmalemonnz's review against another edition

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5.0

This series gets better as it continues.

missmary98's review against another edition

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5.0

Reread review: I love the other two books in this series too, but this one... It just breaks my heart.

Original review: I have no words. That was just amazing.

flajol's review against another edition

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5.0

Just as gripping as the first two books in this trilogy.

indigo5545's review

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emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes

4.5

cried 

caszriel's review against another edition

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5.0

Magdalene's world has been ripped apart, torn and shredded to pieces in the last six years of her life. It's a struggle for her each and every day, as she must be a seemly, obedient girl in order to survive under the watchful eye of Elder Stephen, who is out for revenge after his bride to be, Rebecca ran away from him on their wedding day. One step out of line could have drastic consequences for Magdalene...

Being Magdalene is definitely my favourite book of the series. Not only is it longer than the previous two, we get to see all the characters in their chosen habitats by the end of the book. Magdalene's perspective is the perfect conclusion for this story, she's a character which hasn't ever been far from the action, and is finally being given a voice. As the book progresses, we really get to see how much Magdalene's life has been affected by events from past books.

Again, the issue of not being able to discern how much time had passed arose, but it wasn't so bad especially as Magdalene is a special case. Maybe it's personal bias, but I thought the storyline about Daniel was abrupt and a random shred of information which didn't make sense since he had little to do with book two. It's a perfectly logical move, but I don't think it was a necessary addition to the story and only confused me.

This book was definitely my favourite of the series. All the characters react much more naturally in their desired settings. Magdalene's voice will not be extinguished, and her perspective adds so much more to the story. For fans of rebellious girls who will fight for the right to freedom, read the I Am Not Esther series.

piper_gamble's review

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challenging dark hopeful 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? It's complicated

4.25

tropicalmartin89's review

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adventurous challenging hopeful inspiring reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

tjlcody's review against another edition

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5.0

UGH, SUCH A BEAUTIFUL CONCLUSION.

I enjoyed almost every second of it, and I have to say,
Spoilerhaving Caleb end up being the one to soften and Naomi be the one to clench up and follow the rule to a T was entirely unexpected. I was rather pleased with that unexpected track.


And now it's over, and I'm sad.

afriendcalledmel3's review against another edition

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4.0

It wasn’t the most well written book, however the message and themes really hit home for me. Religion gets in the way of common sense.

izzyalexanderr's review against another edition

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5.0

YES YES YES YES!

I really loved this whole series. Such a beautifully sad story. The ending was so satisfying. It’s nice to read a book with a New Zealand setting, too. Character development from book 1-3 was incredible. Definitely recommend.

Amazing first read for 2022 :)