Reviews

Miss Jane by Brad Watson

blaineduncan's review against another edition

5.0

Painted with delicate, beautiful, and pained precision, the novel Miss Jane is an absolutely touching portrait of a girl (and lady) in an era that's long gone with a condition that she never lets hold her back. It's a lovely book. It's heartbreaking in its own, little way.

kilbmc's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective sad 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

4.0

laraeh's review against another edition

5.0

This is the sort of book you didn’t know you needed to read until you do. Jane is truly an incredible character, and I loved every minute of her unique story. The writing is beautiful in a very matter-of-fact way, and perfectly suited the setting and the plot. While the book could be misinterpreted as “sad”, it’s better described as realistic, thought-provoking, and firmly honest. It challenges what it means to be a woman, and a human- what it means to exist, to fit in, and to love. Without giving anything away, I also loved the ending, and felt it perfectly fit with the story.

rnaerin's review against another edition

reflective slow-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

4.0

eastofreaden's review

4.0

 I will be the first to admit I was skeptical of this story. I’m usually reluctant when a man writes about a woman’s experience because it is rarely done correctly. But, the premise was intriguing (about something I’ve never read about before), and inspired by the author’s great-aunt. And I am so glad I gave it a shot because I met one of the best characters.

Watson put me right in her heart and head and led me through her life with such tender care. This was beautifully written, and I truly felt like I was reading what she thought and felt as a young girl, a teenager, and an adult in her situation. She defies the expectations others have of her and for her, and I loved witnessing how much of a remarkable human being she was. 

My very first thought when I was finished was, "I can't wait to read that again." I then immediately looked up Watson to see what else he'd written, and I was so sad to learn that this was his last novel and he passed away in June 2020. But what a brilliant final novel to leave us with. 

knbee's review against another edition

5.0

My kind of story- beautifully simple with amazingly memorable characters. Extra points for it being historical and southern. I was not familiar with Brad Watson but will definitely seek out his other works.

hatrireads's review against another edition

4.0

Really wonderfully told story of a woman growing up with a genital anomaly during the depression in back woods Mississippi. This may sound a bit bizarre but it's not at all in Brad Watson's talented pen. Much praise to my hometown friend for an excellent book. Watch for my review in my blog, wordsplusideas.blogspot.com.

dianametzger's review against another edition

4.0

A beautifully written, quiet and small story. Almost feels like a Jane Eyre or Little Women type story in the way it's written which is a real feat for a modern novel.

pearloz's review against another edition

4.0

Lovely story, well written, solid novel. No real plot to speak of, more of a character study. Solid contender for the NBA, I think. Definitely in the shortlist.

manaledi's review against another edition

4.0

There's something about Jane that just sticks with you; she's a powerful, memorable protagonist.