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A review by whatkatisreading
This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things by Naomi Wood
challenging
funny
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
‘This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things’ by Naomi Wood is a sharp and timely collection of short stories about women subverting norms. Each tale is darkly funny, relatable and brave and together they paint a shrewd picture of the modern world.
Personal highlights for me were ‘Wedding Day’ which was vivid, biting and funny and ‘Dino Mums’ which was unusual and intriguing. I was also hooked by the corporate portrait and themes of failed sisterhood and competitive parenting in the opening story ‘Lesley, In Therapy’.
This gets 3.5 stars from me. While some of collection spoke to me, other short stories didn’t so it was a somewhat mixed experience. I’d recommend this and I think I’d have enjoyed more if I dipped in and out rather than reading each consecutively… so buy the captivatingly covered hardback and keep it to read in between other books!
I received an advance Digital Review Copy of this book from the publisher Orion via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Personal highlights for me were ‘Wedding Day’ which was vivid, biting and funny and ‘Dino Mums’ which was unusual and intriguing. I was also hooked by the corporate portrait and themes of failed sisterhood and competitive parenting in the opening story ‘Lesley, In Therapy’.
This gets 3.5 stars from me. While some of collection spoke to me, other short stories didn’t so it was a somewhat mixed experience. I’d recommend this and I think I’d have enjoyed more if I dipped in and out rather than reading each consecutively… so buy the captivatingly covered hardback and keep it to read in between other books!
I received an advance Digital Review Copy of this book from the publisher Orion via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.