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A review by bookslovejenna
Mariana by Monica Dickens
emotional
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
Five things about Mariana by Monica Dickens đź“šđź“šđź“šđź“š
1. Mariana (Mary) isn’t the most likes me of characters but Dickens still manages to write her in a way that draws out sympathy.
2. The writing is very engaging at times. Dickens excels at setting a scene but ultimately there’s very little actual plot and the whole looking back on your life from ages 8-20ish got long…very very long.
3. I skimmed whole bits just because the effort to make progress with Mary sometimes felt so exhausting in that way too much boredom makes you lethargic. Like kids on a road trip I just kept thinking, surely we’re almost there right? And I didn’t even really know what “there” would be like.
4. However, when the book works, the book WORKS. It’s downright enchanting when it’s good. I still “feel” the evening she hears the radio broadcast the news that sends her down memory lane. I feel it like my own memories. When it’s good, it’s very very good.
5. Don’t be put off by the fact that parts of this are very dull. Definitely pick it up. Ultimately, the effort is worth it. I’d like to reread it soon.
1. Mariana (Mary) isn’t the most likes me of characters but Dickens still manages to write her in a way that draws out sympathy.
2. The writing is very engaging at times. Dickens excels at setting a scene but ultimately there’s very little actual plot and the whole looking back on your life from ages 8-20ish got long…very very long.
3. I skimmed whole bits just because the effort to make progress with Mary sometimes felt so exhausting in that way too much boredom makes you lethargic. Like kids on a road trip I just kept thinking, surely we’re almost there right? And I didn’t even really know what “there” would be like.
4. However, when the book works, the book WORKS. It’s downright enchanting when it’s good. I still “feel” the evening she hears the radio broadcast the news that sends her down memory lane. I feel it like my own memories. When it’s good, it’s very very good.
5. Don’t be put off by the fact that parts of this are very dull. Definitely pick it up. Ultimately, the effort is worth it. I’d like to reread it soon.