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shaunwaldie's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
shadowsmoon's review against another edition
4.0
I struggled with this book, not gonna lie! Not that it wasn't good, because it was, I just wasn't as engaged with it as I had hoped to be. I thought the representations of the different relationships between Mothers and Daughters were interesting and showed how diverse and yet toxic they can be. It certainly made me think about my own relationship with my Mum and my relationship with my Son; the push and pull of power and control, the intertwined relationships across time and how they change... lots of themes worth contemplating.
It left me feeling rather downhearted and that it seems as Mothers we are a bit doomed in some respects. I think this is probably just where I'm at as a person and in no way a reflection on the writing, form, structure etc. Frances is clearly a talented writer with a lot of insight. The last story left me reeling. As someone who writes diaries and have done since I was 13, I was furious and so many unanswered questions about their relationship. But I think it brought a lot of tacit issues to the fore about how this man (some men) view women... nicely done.
It got me thinking did this book. This is a good thing but I wouldn't say it was enjoyable... and not that all books have to be!
It left me feeling rather downhearted and that it seems as Mothers we are a bit doomed in some respects. I think this is probably just where I'm at as a person and in no way a reflection on the writing, form, structure etc. Frances is clearly a talented writer with a lot of insight. The last story left me reeling. As someone who writes diaries and have done since I was 13, I was furious and so many unanswered questions about their relationship. But I think it brought a lot of tacit issues to the fore about how this man (some men) view women... nicely done.
It got me thinking did this book. This is a good thing but I wouldn't say it was enjoyable... and not that all books have to be!
lidz_2tc's review
dark
sad
tense
fast-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? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Rape, Sexism, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, and Sexual assault
bbboeken's review against another edition
3.0
***3/4
The many voices of Claire. I don't particularly like reading collections of stories, but the protagonist of each story had the same name, which intrigued me. I was not deceived. Some of the stories are outright weird, others just painful, but they all are an engaging read.
The many voices of Claire. I don't particularly like reading collections of stories, but the protagonist of each story had the same name, which intrigued me. I was not deceived. Some of the stories are outright weird, others just painful, but they all are an engaging read.
fleurleestboeken's review against another edition
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Toxic friendship, Violence, Gaslighting, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, and Vomit
Moderate: Abandonment, Body horror, Body shaming, Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Blood, Bullying, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, and Emotional abuse
annahancox's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
nianac's review against another edition
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
wendoxford's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely loved this. It is the kind of fiction that catches you out, scraping sharp fingernails into many unspoken emotions of women (10 of them, all called Claire!) attempting to live their own version of life. All with "difficult" mothers in a variety of guises, but all very familiar. Dug up memories of a variety of uncomfortable, unacknowledged feelings in myself.
The writing is so sharp yet encapsulates a whole rainbow of interpretation/nuance. A tidal wave of angry daughters showing their "damage" through the way they are trying to live, no whiff of the anodyne. The sheen of wilful malevolence obliquely caresses each Claire as only a poet can successfully do.
The writing is so sharp yet encapsulates a whole rainbow of interpretation/nuance. A tidal wave of angry daughters showing their "damage" through the way they are trying to live, no whiff of the anodyne. The sheen of wilful malevolence obliquely caresses each Claire as only a poet can successfully do.
frankie971's review
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75