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A review by uruseibaka
These Shallow Graves by Jennifer Donnelly
4.0
Wow. This book certainly didn't disappoint. Jennifer Donnelly is a genius, made evident by her effortlessly smooth writing style. These Shallow Graves is clearly a well-planned, carefully thought of book. Every turn of a page reveals a new mystery, a new set of questions and revelations to ponder about. I like this book, I am in serious awe of the author's sheer cleverness but the things I absolutely love about her book, the ones that hit home the most, are the hints of gender inequality she incorporated. This is such an important issue and Jennifer Donnelly has shed a light on it.
Here are a few quotes I've managed to take note of, speaking out in their truthful glory:
"Why is it, she wondered now, that boys get to do things and be things, and girls only get to watch?" - YAAAAAS
"That was what people did when they wanted to stop a girl from doing something-they shamed her." - YES BECAUSE THEY ALL KNOW WE'RE CAPABLE BECAUSE YES, WOMEN ARE OH SO CAPABLE
"The women must only ever watch and wait. The men were the ones who would decide. They would choose. They would lead. And the women would follow." - Patriarchy in a nutshell, everyone.
"Do you understand these terms, Miss Montfort? Finance, economics... they can be a bit overwhelming to the feminine mind." - As if a person's intellectual capacity depended on one's gender???
I also love the fact that she has written characters from all walks of life and gives us a perspective on important social issues.
But of course, if there are things I loved about this book, there are also a few I disliked. I felt that Jo and Eddie's romance was rushed and felt a little too much like insta-love. I won't deny that the moments between them made me a bit giddy, though. I also hate Jo's ignorance but I suppose that's what living as a young lady in an 1890's restricted (more so for women) environment. But seriously, what kind of alias is Joseph Feen when your real name is Josephine?
However, I do love how Jo stands up for herself. I wasn't satisfied with some happenings as they were too predictable and the ending, gods, the ending! I hate open endings and the lingering feeling that comes with them. I hate not knowing what happens after the vague conclusions, I just want to know.
Overall, this book was a pretty light read. I'd recommend it if you're looking for an adventure or perhaps, an escape. These Shallow Graves will give you more than you will ever expect.
Thanks to Random House Children's and NetGalley for allowing me access to an eARC.
Here are a few quotes I've managed to take note of, speaking out in their truthful glory:
"Why is it, she wondered now, that boys get to do things and be things, and girls only get to watch?" - YAAAAAS
"That was what people did when they wanted to stop a girl from doing something-they shamed her." - YES BECAUSE THEY ALL KNOW WE'RE CAPABLE BECAUSE YES, WOMEN ARE OH SO CAPABLE
"The women must only ever watch and wait. The men were the ones who would decide. They would choose. They would lead. And the women would follow." - Patriarchy in a nutshell, everyone.
"Do you understand these terms, Miss Montfort? Finance, economics... they can be a bit overwhelming to the feminine mind." - As if a person's intellectual capacity depended on one's gender???
I also love the fact that she has written characters from all walks of life and gives us a perspective on important social issues.
But of course, if there are things I loved about this book, there are also a few I disliked. I felt that Jo and Eddie's romance was rushed and felt a little too much like insta-love. I won't deny that the moments between them made me a bit giddy, though. I also hate Jo's ignorance but I suppose that's what living as a young lady in an 1890's restricted (more so for women) environment. But seriously, what kind of alias is Joseph Feen when your real name is Josephine?
However, I do love how Jo stands up for herself. I wasn't satisfied with some happenings as they were too predictable and the ending, gods, the ending! I hate open endings and the lingering feeling that comes with them. I hate not knowing what happens after the vague conclusions, I just want to know. Overall, this book was a pretty light read. I'd recommend it if you're looking for an adventure or perhaps, an escape. These Shallow Graves will give you more than you will ever expect.
Thanks to Random House Children's and NetGalley for allowing me access to an eARC.