Scan barcode
literarycrushes's review against another edition
3.0
The Life of the Mind by Christine Smallwood is centered on the stream of consciousness-style, inner monologue of a listless, young-ish Dorothy. There is little plot to speak of- the major thread of the novel focuses on Dorothy’s miscarriage, and the resulting weeks of bleeding– but Smallwood’s quippy and concise character descriptions and little details were well worth the read. She can tell you all you need to know about a character or a place with a simple, expertly crafted sentence. The book’s best quality, in my opinion, was its commentary on human communication, and the myriad ways we communicate (or try to) just below the surface, through the things we don’t say.
I am also impressed when a novel can use modern technology as a literary tool without cheapening it. Smallwood had a lot of interesting things to say about the dangers of a life lived through the lens of social media (particularly, the peculiarities of how someone else’s happiness, when posted online, can feel like an affront to your own happiness). This book is definitely not for everyone, especially those readers who prefer a narrative-driven story. There were parts of it that I struggled with, or felt my eyes begin to glaze over with the continuous, long-winded descriptions of clumps of blood found in her underwear, but overall, I really enjoyed it. I look forward to seeing what this writer comes up with next!
I am also impressed when a novel can use modern technology as a literary tool without cheapening it. Smallwood had a lot of interesting things to say about the dangers of a life lived through the lens of social media (particularly, the peculiarities of how someone else’s happiness, when posted online, can feel like an affront to your own happiness). This book is definitely not for everyone, especially those readers who prefer a narrative-driven story. There were parts of it that I struggled with, or felt my eyes begin to glaze over with the continuous, long-winded descriptions of clumps of blood found in her underwear, but overall, I really enjoyed it. I look forward to seeing what this writer comes up with next!
chloeweg's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This makes me want to graduate college already.
macodi's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Miscarriage, Gore, Grief, Abortion, and Pregnancy
Minor: Cancer, Alcohol, Infidelity, and Medical content
stellahadz's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I think this is the kind of book that has to marinate in my mind for a while before I can figure out exactly what I think about it. It's well-written, has an interesting premise, and offers insightful and relatable commentary on academia, relationships, and the nature of existence in the 21st century (the phrase "boring dystopia" comes to mind). The miscarriage is described in fairly graphic terms, but it doesn't seem to faze the narrator at all - I think there's something to read into this about how by the nature of the times we live in, things that we think ought to be traumatic or catastrophic seem a bit mundane. I can see how this book isn't for everyone, but I liked how subtly philosophical it was.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage and Blood
Moderate: Medical trauma and Abortion
Minor: Religious bigotry
af666014's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
I’ve never read a depiction of abortion like this - usually it’s kept to an allusion, but this was a very matter of fact walk through. I liked the book for that reason but otherwise it felt very disjointed