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3.36 AVERAGE
3.36 AVERAGE
medium-paced
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I used to love JW’s books, so I fancied reading her “grown-up” version. Sadly, it fell very flat. It was predictable and bland, and the characters had little… character. It was a book from the perspective of a 40 year old woman, clearly written by an 80 year old woman who isn’t entirely sure how things work anymore - phoning for a deliveroo or calling an uber. The little plot there was felt rushed, and we never got to emotionally connect with anyone. The premise of a middle aged woman rediscovering herself is good, it was just poorly executed.
I would love to read a book based on her daughter, Lottie, but in her old format and not as an adult as it just doesn’t translate well.
I would love to read a book based on her daughter, Lottie, but in her old format and not as an adult as it just doesn’t translate well.
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Nice easy read, quite predictable - drops a few too many obvious hints towards things that are revealed quite late in the book. But overall an enjoyable read.
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
lighthearted
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
I enjoyed reading this. I don't remember the Girls series if I ever did read them, but always liked Jacqueline Wilson books as a kid. I didn't feel massively invested in the characters/ plot, but it was fun an interesting. I particularly liked that the main character was presented as not being 'perfect' and having a lot of relatable insecurities / not feeling like an 'adult' even at 40. The ending felt a bit sudden and that there quite a few ends not tied up (I would have liked to see Alice and her relationship develop more... it just didn't feel that convincing, and also her new graphic novel and Lottie's father). And it would also have been nice to see Ellie more empowered by the end. In all, it was a lovely book about growing older, friendships and facing our feelings.
Perhaps because I'm Australian and now living in the UK, I hadn’t heard of the Girls In Love series or this author. However, seeing the book everywhere influenced me to give it a try. For anyone who loved Jacqueline Wilson's books growing up, this one is for you.
Styled as her first adult novel, the book explores mature themes with the main character, Ellie, who has just turned 40. Despite the adult subject matter, it's written in a manner similar to her children’s and young adult books. This isn’t to say it’s poorly written, but it may not feel as mature as some readers might expect.
Following the *Girls in Love* series, which featured schoolgirls Ellie, Nadine, and Magda, this novel follows Ellie's life as she navigates turning 40. She has a daughter, Lottie, who is now grown, and Ellie is fumbling through her dating life and career. While she remains best friends with Nadine and Magda, they aren’t central to the story.
The plot is predictable but offers a comforting and nostalgic feeling. However, the characters aren’t as developed as I would have liked. Mr. Windsor, Ellie’s former school teacher crush, makes an appearance, and I was somewhat annoyed that his inappropriate behavior toward 13-year-old students was still glossed over.
Some reviews mention that Ellie’s character is immature and still acts like a child. Personally, I found her quite relatable—many people are affected by their school experiences long into adulthood.
Overall, I was entertained while reading, but there are some issues with Jacqueline Wilson’s first adult novel. The nostalgia makes it worth reading, and I wasn’t expecting (or seeking) a literary masterpiece anyway!
Styled as her first adult novel, the book explores mature themes with the main character, Ellie, who has just turned 40. Despite the adult subject matter, it's written in a manner similar to her children’s and young adult books. This isn’t to say it’s poorly written, but it may not feel as mature as some readers might expect.
Following the *Girls in Love* series, which featured schoolgirls Ellie, Nadine, and Magda, this novel follows Ellie's life as she navigates turning 40. She has a daughter, Lottie, who is now grown, and Ellie is fumbling through her dating life and career. While she remains best friends with Nadine and Magda, they aren’t central to the story.
The plot is predictable but offers a comforting and nostalgic feeling. However, the characters aren’t as developed as I would have liked. Mr. Windsor, Ellie’s former school teacher crush, makes an appearance, and I was somewhat annoyed that his inappropriate behavior toward 13-year-old students was still glossed over.
Some reviews mention that Ellie’s character is immature and still acts like a child. Personally, I found her quite relatable—many people are affected by their school experiences long into adulthood.
Overall, I was entertained while reading, but there are some issues with Jacqueline Wilson’s first adult novel. The nostalgia makes it worth reading, and I wasn’t expecting (or seeking) a literary masterpiece anyway!