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bombacharger's review against another edition
3.0
Some compelling characters and the narrative has strong momentum though I ultimately found it all a touch too obvious, a social-realist novel about abortion that never goes beyond some well-trodden paths.
charity_royall_331's review against another edition
3.0
An important book, in its views of actors on all sides of the abortion-rights debate, but I felt it veered off into melodrama in its last third. Strong, nuanced characters all the way through. Definitely worth reading, as it raises important questions about class and justice.
seattlecubsfan's review against another edition
The best part of this book was the picture it gave of the day to day operations of a women's health center / abortion provider -- it brought home how much the average person (and the average man in particular) doesn't understand about women's choices and constraints.
Overall, though, this book didn't really work for me as a piece of literature. The connections among the different main characters were kind of tenuous, contrary to was was promoted on the book jacket, and it mostly felt a bit flat. Others have really liked it, so your mileage may vary.
Overall, though, this book didn't really work for me as a piece of literature. The connections among the different main characters were kind of tenuous, contrary to was was promoted on the book jacket, and it mostly felt a bit flat. Others have really liked it, so your mileage may vary.
nancf's review against another edition
5.0
Mercy Street may not have been a book I would have sought out, but for listening to an zoom dialogue with the author and Stewart O'Nan, sponsored by a local bookstore. I had heard of Haigh, a semi-local author, born in Barnesboro, Cambria County. The discussion of the book intrigued me and when I saw it at the library, I picked it up to read. I read it quickly, during days of waiting.
Mercy Street is primarily the story of Claudia Birch, a social worker/counselor at a woman's health clinic in Boston. However, the story also includes Timmy, Claudia's marijuana dealer; Victor, a "pro-life" vigilante of sorts; and Victor's lieutenant, Anthony, who is also a friend/client of Timmy's. The reader gets a lot of background on each character, and their reasons for their actions, and stance on abortion. And in the end, the connections and motivations come together in endings that I did not see coming, yet seemed so, so right.
Aside from the issue of abortion, the novel also addresses loneliness, superficial/on-line relationships, poverty and class, among other things. And it does so by presenting the humanness of the people holding various views.
I am now looking forward to reading Haigh's other novels.
"He'd been told he had a problem with authority. He didn't like hearing it, which proved it was entirely true." (77)
"The point is, what's a good reason [to want an abortion]? Who gets to decide?" (93)
Mercy Street is primarily the story of Claudia Birch, a social worker/counselor at a woman's health clinic in Boston. However, the story also includes Timmy, Claudia's marijuana dealer; Victor, a "pro-life" vigilante of sorts; and Victor's lieutenant, Anthony, who is also a friend/client of Timmy's. The reader gets a lot of background on each character, and their reasons for their actions, and stance on abortion. And in the end, the connections and motivations come together in endings that I did not see coming, yet seemed so, so right.
Aside from the issue of abortion, the novel also addresses loneliness, superficial/on-line relationships, poverty and class, among other things. And it does so by presenting the humanness of the people holding various views.
I am now looking forward to reading Haigh's other novels.
"He'd been told he had a problem with authority. He didn't like hearing it, which proved it was entirely true." (77)
"The point is, what's a good reason [to want an abortion]? Who gets to decide?" (93)
sraphael3810's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Racism, Sexism, Abortion, and Death of parent
ssinclai27's review against another edition
4.0
Really compelling character studies (and I enjoyed being well-acquainted with the Boston events and locations) but without more plot, I think it was just a wee bit too long.
kierstensn's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
In light of recent events (i.e. overturning of roe v. wade, lack of gun control resulting in masa shootings, etc.), this book was unsettling to say the least. If I had know the topic before checking the book out of the library, it’s quite possible that I would have placed it back on the shelf.
While there were certainly shining moments in this book, most of the characters were entirely unlikeable. Every time that Haigh wrote from the perspective of Victor, Randy or Anthony, I wanted to reach out and shake them. All the more infuriating was the fact that these characters reflect a large portion of America’s population. Timmy, though, redeemed this book for me. However, in the end, I was left mostly unsatisfied with every character’s conclusion. I wanted MORE to Victor’s story - his (thankfully) thwarted vigilante justice and his accident. I wanted Timmy and Claudia to connect, in ANY way, after her pregnancy. The ending left something to be desired.
In light of recent events (i.e. overturning of roe v. wade, lack of gun control resulting in masa shootings, etc.), this book was unsettling to say the least. If I had know the topic before checking the book out of the library, it’s quite possible that I would have placed it back on the shelf.
While there were certainly shining moments in this book, most of the characters were entirely unlikeable. Every time that Haigh wrote from the perspective of Victor, Randy or Anthony, I wanted to reach out and shake them. All the more infuriating was the fact that these characters reflect a large portion of America’s population. Timmy, though, redeemed this book for me. However, in the end, I was left mostly unsatisfied with every character’s conclusion. I wanted MORE to Victor’s story - his (thankfully) thwarted vigilante justice and his accident. I wanted Timmy and Claudia to connect, in ANY way, after her pregnancy. The ending left something to be desired.
amber_mcneill's review against another edition
3.5
A character driven story. Such an interesting way to comment on such a fraught and current hot topic. Definitely felt a little like the first half dragged but it wrapped up beautifully
melissacinop's review against another edition
4.0
Thought provoking as we consider abortion politics
mollydsand's review against another edition
4.0
Honestly scary to read the men’s perspectives in this