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3.27 AVERAGE
3.27 AVERAGE
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
* Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *
When a rogue wave sweeps Lotte's three eldest children out to sea, she is bereft and tosses her youngest into the surf in an attempt to trade God one child for the other three. In their mourning, her husband Kalle deserts her, leaving town with the traveling Zirkus that comes each year. Lotte is moved in with the sisters of St. Margaret's and her child is wet nursed by young Tilli, who has lost her own child via adoption at the tender age of 11.
The Patron Saint of Pregnant Girls is a good multifaceted view of grief and hardship, following how the human mind and soul deal with loss. Highly character driven, the story provides bits and pieces of Lotte, Tilli, and Sabine (the Zirkus seamstress) as they process their own personal moments of grief. The character driven approach provides insights, but can be frustrating because it feels like there is so much potential in the outlines that exist. So much more could be explored beyond the boundaries that are tested.
This is a weird and winding narrative that feels more like a series of short stories loosely intertwined than a full-fledged novel. For me, there wasn't enough here. The stories felt outlined and unfinished--giving a taste of the depth that could be fleshed out without actually achieving it. I was left terribly underwhelmed and, though I liked the writing of it, I didn't like where it ended.
When a rogue wave sweeps Lotte's three eldest children out to sea, she is bereft and tosses her youngest into the surf in an attempt to trade God one child for the other three. In their mourning, her husband Kalle deserts her, leaving town with the traveling Zirkus that comes each year. Lotte is moved in with the sisters of St. Margaret's and her child is wet nursed by young Tilli, who has lost her own child via adoption at the tender age of 11.
The Patron Saint of Pregnant Girls is a good multifaceted view of grief and hardship, following how the human mind and soul deal with loss. Highly character driven, the story provides bits and pieces of Lotte, Tilli, and Sabine (the Zirkus seamstress) as they process their own personal moments of grief. The character driven approach provides insights, but can be frustrating because it feels like there is so much potential in the outlines that exist. So much more could be explored beyond the boundaries that are tested.
This is a weird and winding narrative that feels more like a series of short stories loosely intertwined than a full-fledged novel. For me, there wasn't enough here. The stories felt outlined and unfinished--giving a taste of the depth that could be fleshed out without actually achieving it. I was left terribly underwhelmed and, though I liked the writing of it, I didn't like where it ended.
This book wasn’t quite what I expected. The story had promise, but folklore and abundance of characters got in the way. I did enjoy reading a book that was different than my typical genre of books. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the advanced review copy!
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-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
While this writing style isn't for everyone, I found it added to the mystery of the book at the beginning and then once you became familiar with the characters, it invited you to pay close attention as the author wove their stories together. I found it to be a quick read as you discover the ways that the characters lives impact and effect each other and can't out it down. Love the way that Ursula Hegi interspersed German words and traditions into the book.
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
The narrator weaves a whimsical tale containing love, death, grief, and redemption as we witness the lives of various characters. The stories within are haunting and heartbreaking one moment, and then heartwarming the next.
I don’t typically read Historical Fiction, but this novel definitely has a lasting impression on its readers.
I don’t typically read Historical Fiction, but this novel definitely has a lasting impression on its readers.
adventurous
sad
slow-paced
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Really enjoyed this story. Historical, circuses, rebellious female characters, midwives. Loved the Scandinavian setting too. Refreshingly different and features the many lengths mothers will go to to protect their children (even those they’ve lost).