A review by ohwowbee
Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo

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

5.0

This book weaves in and out of the lives and perspectives of 14 different characters (the blurb says 12! But I count the last two chapters, even if the publishers don’t...), who converge and overlap like winding branches or streams. The stories are funny, moving, thoughtful, and frustrating in various combinations. Evaristo paints such clear characters, each with a distinct voice and perspective. I could have read fourteen novels about fourteen wonderfully weird and unique people, but instead we are granted just a small insight into these very particular parts of their lives. 

A wonderful, character-driven exploration of identity, family, ambition, politics, love, womanhood, personhood, and and and (the list goes on). A joy to read!
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