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nothingforpomegranted's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
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? It's complicated
4.0
This is a book that I think could have been five stars if I read it in one go and in the right mood to be fully immersed. I loved the shifting perspectives and the loose family saga, and I really appreciated the little hints between chapters, suggesting relationships between characters and alluding to their concerns and thought processes. The interludes of creating a cozy space were clever and meaningful, and I’d consider reading it again after the war.
cstefko's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars
Probably should have DNF'd this one early on, but the prose had enough intriguing moments to make me continue. I was just pretty underwhelmed in the end. I also found the dialogue awkward and unbelievable a lot of the time (not in an earth-shattering way, just in a people-don't-talk-like-this way).
Probably should have DNF'd this one early on, but the prose had enough intriguing moments to make me continue. I was just pretty underwhelmed in the end. I also found the dialogue awkward and unbelievable a lot of the time (not in an earth-shattering way, just in a people-don't-talk-like-this way).
aedgeworth27's review against another edition
2.0
Thank you to the publisher for this review copy.
Matalone's writing is superb but I just don't think I'm the audience for this type of high minded writing. The stories were interesting if a bit confusing but the writing was really the real winner.
Matalone's writing is superb but I just don't think I'm the audience for this type of high minded writing. The stories were interesting if a bit confusing but the writing was really the real winner.
emmaliborski's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was a hot-and-cold reading experience for me. Sometimes Matalone's style is absolutely gripping, and other times it felt unbaked. Sometimes the pace/plot choices felt oddly timed or random, and sometimes the opposite.
The narrative switches between the three main characters provided the main challenge and reward of this book. I loved integrating the concept of "homemaking" with the interior and emotional worlds of each character- and exploring how homemaking can feel like a pressure or a freedom. My favorite passages were when Chloe delved into this, into the journey of building her home- a journey that seemingly never found and end.
This was a quick and enjoyable read, and I'd recommend to those who enjoy more reflective, character driven books about parenthood, relationships, identity, and transition.
The narrative switches between the three main characters provided the main challenge and reward of this book. I loved integrating the concept of "homemaking" with the interior and emotional worlds of each character- and exploring how homemaking can feel like a pressure or a freedom. My favorite passages were when Chloe delved into this, into the journey of building her home- a journey that seemingly never found and end.
This was a quick and enjoyable read, and I'd recommend to those who enjoy more reflective, character driven books about parenthood, relationships, identity, and transition.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Medical content, Infidelity, Suicide, Rape, and Racism
em_carter's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
szucker6's review against another edition
1.0
This book had so many elements that made me want to love it, and I ended up so disappointed. I tried but just struggled to connect with the characters, and coupled with the very disjointed plot line, writing styles, and interactions...it just wasn’t for me.
katrinelinden's review against another edition
4.0
A beautiful and introspective novel, which made me reflects on the making of a home, as well as a woman and her place within it. It has several important lessons, especially for a young woman, and yet it also made me long for motherhood, for adulthood, for home making.
Unlike other reviews, I find it quite simple to follow along and there are few uncertainties as to who is telling the story. My only criticism of the novel is that the last ten pages are of little importance to me, mostly because we are introduced to a final character and yet cannot relate to said person because of the brief meeting.
Definitely worth a read.
Unlike other reviews, I find it quite simple to follow along and there are few uncertainties as to who is telling the story. My only criticism of the novel is that the last ten pages are of little importance to me, mostly because we are introduced to a final character and yet cannot relate to said person because of the brief meeting.
Definitely worth a read.