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abbruzzese's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Things change before those affected are fully aware.
even though i usually do not go for (in fact, i actively avoid) books set in any century later than the late 20th, i read girl with a pearl earring a few months ago. though that was also out of my comfort zone, i was so delighted by it i thought that if anyone could make me tolerate reading about 1850s quakers—in ohio, nonetheless—it would be tracy chevalier.
it breaks my heart to give three measly stars to a book written with such undeniable talent. my dull rating comes not as criticism for the quality of chevalier's writing, nor as a reflection of the novel's quality, but as a commentary on my personal enjoyment of the story. i simply do not enjoy books like this one. i have little patience for farms and dirt roads and houses without plumbing. others who have tastes unlike mine, who find joy in rural tales, will enjoy this book.
it is well-written, with a compelling plot, though it felt a tad white saviour-y at times. honor bright and mrs. reed are strong characters, but the rest feel a bit unfinished. dorcas haymaker shows some hints of growth near the end. however, others—jack haymaker, belle mills—are underwhelming, despite their vitality to the story.
if i could speak with chevalier, after supplying a generous amount of praise, my only request would be that perhaps she could try her hand at writing female characters who actually like their husbands. i understand this is more common now than in the time periods her stories take place in, but i think it would be nice to see. i have no doubt she could do a loving relationship justice.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Death
Moderate: Slavery, Terminal illness, Pregnancy, Sexual content, and Racism
Minor: Gun violence
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