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3.59 AVERAGE
3.59 AVERAGE
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was pretty meh for me. I did not enjoy the narration from any of the men’s point of view. The plot didn’t really tie together either.
I read this for book group. I think it will make a good discussion book, but would I recommend it to other readers? Probably not.
The writing was excellent, the characters interesting, the descriptions of Boston snow storms were vivid, but it just didn't draw me in. I didn't care about any of the characters.
I expected this to be a story about an abortion clinic, but it was really more about drug users and dealers.
The writing was excellent, the characters interesting, the descriptions of Boston snow storms were vivid, but it just didn't draw me in. I didn't care about any of the characters.
I expected this to be a story about an abortion clinic, but it was really more about drug users and dealers.
I listened to this on audiobook and I have a feeling it’s best enjoyed in that format, the narrator knocked it out of the park. It’s certainly character driven so I can understand the critique that it’s slow - but listening to it felt like an old friend telling a very long, intriguing story. Haigh’s writing is melodic.
"In that time and place, no one thought twice about letting kids walk home alone from the bus stop. That no child was ever abducted was probably a question of supply and demand. In Clayburn, unsupervised kids were everywhere. You couldn't give them away."
-Jennifer Haigh
Strong characters and sharp observations. Enjoyed this book immensely. Headed to the library today to seek out Haigh's other works.
-Jennifer Haigh
Strong characters and sharp observations. Enjoyed this book immensely. Headed to the library today to seek out Haigh's other works.
I love reading novels that handle timely topics. Mercy Street is just that. It offers great insight through the characters about the issue of abortion. It really made me think. The ending is shocking and still has me thinking about it. A compelling read!
I really loved the plot of this, the way it spooled out and we found out the motivations of each character.
The only thing that kept this from being a 4 star book for me was that I just did not connect with Claudia. I was actually more sympathetic to both Anthony and Victor at the end which certainly is not in line with my politics at all. And of course I loved Timmy.
And maybe that was the point, that I didn't connect with Claudia. Maybe every protagonist doesn't have to be warm and fuzzy. But all of the characters here were flawed and imperfect - she was just flat to me.
The only thing that kept this from being a 4 star book for me was that I just did not connect with Claudia. I was actually more sympathetic to both Anthony and Victor at the end which certainly is not in line with my politics at all. And of course I loved Timmy.
And maybe that was the point, that I didn't connect with Claudia. Maybe every protagonist doesn't have to be warm and fuzzy. But all of the characters here were flawed and imperfect - she was just flat to me.
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I wanted to love this as I love the perspective that's shared from vastly different viewpoints: the counselor at the women's health clinic, the anti-women's-right guy, the drug dealer...and what we learn about those different people that illustrates some context behind contrasting viewpoints. But the conclusion was so unsatisfying and disappointing.