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belovedsnail's review
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- 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
4.5
Given how painful I found this book to read, I am a bit surprised how high of a rating I want to give it and I’m trying to find and download the sequel. The main reason I read it was because of her influence on Barbara Pym, but I can easily see why her books were infectiously popular.
The pacing is very strange. The important thing to realise is that it was originally published as a monthly serial. Some writers could create a more cohesive novel that way, but this book at times reads like a transcript of a soap opera.
I have many thoughts about the lots of Ethel and Flora and the role this book assigns women in general. It was a fascinating look at its time in that moment. Less charming are the characters who leave the stage to be missionaries and the casual racism which comes up in conversation as a result.
The pacing is very strange. The important thing to realise is that it was originally published as a monthly serial. Some writers could create a more cohesive novel that way, but this book at times reads like a transcript of a soap opera.
I have many thoughts about the lots of Ethel and Flora and the role this book assigns women in general. It was a fascinating look at its time in that moment. Less charming are the characters who leave the stage to be missionaries and the casual racism which comes up in conversation as a result.
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism and Racial slurs
laurynreads's review
3.0
Didn’t end up hating it as much as I thought I would but way way way too long and so many things happened I can barely remember them
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