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misnyder's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
kellyrenea's review against another edition
5.0
When I first began this novel, I am sorry to say that I didn’t like it. It didn’t grab my attention and I almost pushed it aside and didn’t finish it. I’m so glad that I pushed through though!
Although it has a slow beginning, the novel opens up and very beautifully paints a picture of these characters that is as subtle as a brush stroke, yet profound and boldly colorful.
Molly is impossible not to love. She has all the character flaws many struggle with: not preferring to be in large crowds, awkward in conversations, yet fiercely loyal and loving to a fault. Her unmanageable curly hair (which I myself have) that refuses to be tamed, makes me feel a kindred spirit with her.
Mrs. Gibson, Molly’s new step mom, is overbearing, highly critical of people who think differently than her, and she always focuses on how everything effects her personally. She is very difficult to like, although she has a few moments when you almost catch glimpses of her trying to be a better person, but it is only moments that never last long.
Cynthia, Molly’s new step sister, is by far the most complex character of the story. Some of my fellow book club readers have posed questions about whether she is a sociopath! I think after some debating we came to the possible conclusion that she might be suffering from Borderline Personality Disorder or Reactive Attachment Disorder. So fascinating how Gaskell was able to create such a complex character!
Definitely would recommend this book!
Although it has a slow beginning, the novel opens up and very beautifully paints a picture of these characters that is as subtle as a brush stroke, yet profound and boldly colorful.
Molly is impossible not to love. She has all the character flaws many struggle with: not preferring to be in large crowds, awkward in conversations, yet fiercely loyal and loving to a fault. Her unmanageable curly hair (which I myself have) that refuses to be tamed, makes me feel a kindred spirit with her.
Mrs. Gibson, Molly’s new step mom, is overbearing, highly critical of people who think differently than her, and she always focuses on how everything effects her personally. She is very difficult to like, although she has a few moments when you almost catch glimpses of her trying to be a better person, but it is only moments that never last long.
Cynthia, Molly’s new step sister, is by far the most complex character of the story. Some of my fellow book club readers have posed questions about whether she is a sociopath! I think after some debating we came to the possible conclusion that she might be suffering from Borderline Personality Disorder or Reactive Attachment Disorder. So fascinating how Gaskell was able to create such a complex character!
Definitely would recommend this book!
sophieroseobooks's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
laurabrown31's review against another edition
5.0
I really liked this one. Feels very much like a cousin to Jane Austen's novels. That being said, I was sad to get to the end and see how it was left unfinished because of Gaskell's death. There was a nice concluding chapter describing how it would have ended if she was able to finish the novel but I found myself longing for a clean ending. I must find a copy of the miniseries!
swethasunkara's review against another edition
3.0
The same Jane Austen stuff... with a little more drag
delgremmyaward's review against another edition
3.0
3.5
I present to you a funny little novel wherein the secondary characters are more interesting and better-drawn than the protagonist. Still, it's worth a read, if only for Mrs. Gibson; annoying as she is, she's quite amusing.
I present to you a funny little novel wherein the secondary characters are more interesting and better-drawn than the protagonist. Still, it's worth a read, if only for Mrs. Gibson; annoying as she is, she's quite amusing.
leah_alexandra's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
What a delight! I’ve had this on my shelves for ages, and I’m so glad I finally picked it up. So fun and engaging—surprising for a book from this period. A few parts dragged a bit, but that’s not surprising for a novel of this length, and they’re mostly in the beginning.
caffeineauthor's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
evieintheshire's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Racism