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arabellaruby's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Minor: Emotional abuse, Rape, and Sexual harassment
vaughanreads's review against another edition
- 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
Engagement = 4
For the most part, I was always thinking about this book. Having read this in a week, for me, shows that I was engaged!
I definitely didn't feel any lulls in interest.
Language = 5
Very accessible language and ready very well. There were quite a few occasions where I had to get the dictionary out, so to speak, but in a good way. I enjoy learning new vocabulary and Chambers managed to drip feed me fantastic words like parthenogenesis and cosanguineous.
Plot = 5
I really have no qualms with the plot. It played on my heartstrings a lot and was emotive throughout. The investigative nature of Jean's work extracted useful nuggets from each of Gretchen's friends from her days at St Cecilia's.
There were a few moments that dropped bombshells that were so cathartic to unearth! Moments like that are clear indicators that you're invested in the narrative.
I think Chambers took a gamble on the ending because it, to me, felt so detached from everything that happened. You'll have to find out for yourself and let me know what you think. In my opinion, she stuck the landing, though I was knocked for six.
I was shocked to read in the 'Afterword' that the concept of this story is based on true events! Check it out for sure as it's very interesting and Chambers is gracious enough to outline the history of it.
Characters = 4
There was a small cast of core characters and almost all of them were absolutely incredible. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Howard! He has a masculinity that many should aspire to. Jean puts it best in the line "Howard was the least histrionic of men. He would do the right, sober and generous thing." Also the fact that, in his frustration, he throws a cigarette in a bush, but immediately realises that was improper and retrieves it is adorable!
Jean was a class act throughout. I was right there with her during her many ethical quandaries. I was touched when she talks about her relationship with her mother and how she cares for her full time. We all know someone in Jean's position and can get an inkling into how trying that can be.
Re-Read = 4
This is not my typical genre and I was so surprised to have taken to it so well. Not only will I very likely return to Small Pleasures, but I now crave more female authors, writing female stories and giving me more insights into the experiences of others.
Moderate: Sexual harassment
Minor: Rape
literarydumpling's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Sexual assault and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Rape and Abortion
Minor: Mental illness
alisonannk's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Graphic: Sexism, Toxic relationship, Mental illness, Misogyny, Pregnancy, Rape, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Ableism, Abandonment, Blood, Chronic illness, Death, Abortion, Confinement, Medical content, Medical trauma, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Toxic friendship, Cancer, Grief, Homophobia, Infidelity, Lesbophobia, Body shaming, Dementia, Outing, and Toxic relationship
lucadonta's review against another edition
- 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
3.0
Moderate: Rape, Abortion, and Grief
Minor: Sexual harassment
lydiamar1e's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, and Rape
vinnyvince's review
- 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? No
3.75
Moderate: Medical content, Death, Medical trauma, Miscarriage, Pregnancy, and Homophobia
Minor: Chronic illness, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Rape, Terminal illness, Sexual assault, and Mental illness
betsygrace's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
I feel like Gretchen is aspec. This book is dialogue heavy.
Graphic: Abortion, Chronic illness, and Rape
Moderate: Infidelity, Medical content, Mental illness, Pregnancy, Toxic relationship, Terminal illness, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, Sexual content, and Sexual assault
Minor: Drug use
_millien's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, and Abortion