Reviews

Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy

mybookishreverie's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful medium-paced

4.25

eleanormck13's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

vlbayliss's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

pmrichard1's review

4.0

This was incredible - such great writing without being overly literary for the sake of it. Read it in one sitting

gilly22's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

miamia1's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

Thought this book was interesting but very very sad

whamydid's review against another edition

dark reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

I was apprehensive about picking up Soilder Sailor in case I wouldn't be able to relate as someone without children, but I'm very glad I ended up doing so. 

Nominated for the Women's Prize short list for 2024, this was a raw and honest portrayal of motherhood. The writing style is beautiful, and you could feel the intensity building the more you read. I initially rated this a 3.5, but on reflection, it's a solid 4.

ameliasbooks's review against another edition

I have a lot of sympathy for the feelings of this mother.
But more than halfway through the book, I definitely got the point and I was looking for more depth and reflection. 
I also have no problem with unlikable protagonists and this one has some really awful things to say. Unfortunately some of it felt really unnecessary for the plot and I couldn't get rid of the feeling, that she would say these things as well, if she wouldn't be in the state she is.
Don't get me wrong, I don't need to like a mother to be on her side in a situation like this. But I don't need to finish a book in which the character is just not as interesting as she could be.

minnietimperley's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

seonarella's review against another edition

emotional hopeful tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0