A review by kirsty
The L-Shaped Room by Lynne Reid Banks

5.0

Really enjoyed this book. I was hooked from the start by the narrator, Jane, who has a compelling voice. Some of the interest for me is in how much times have changed. Jane is unmarried and pregnant and experiences huge amounts of prejudice as a result, which is hard to imagine now (thankfully). This could be a depressing book, but actually is mostly about the unexpected kindness of the people she meets and therefore isn't.

It is a first person narrative and there are some unpleasant remarks on race and sexuality. I think these reflect the times (it was published in the 60s) and are the character's views, not the author's. As the book progresses, Jane is forced to change her views because of the people she meets and the kindness she is shown.