A review by jen_abrahall
Small Pleasures by Clare Chambers

hopeful lighthearted mysterious relaxing sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

i so nearly gave up on this book so many times - i’ll confess i bought it for the cover and the reviews. it took me a while to get knot but i persisted - arguably this is my fault not a fault of the writing - i’ve been in a reading slump for some time. Whilst the writing is easily followed and delicately composed i struggled to get excited by the narrative for quite some time - but determined to persist, i’m so glad i did. The later section of the narrative was spectacular. Such a beautiful account of the quiet consolation that love is not for you and some how it’s not yours to have no matter how much you may long for it. Whilst the narrative could be perceived as a wishy washy tail of unrequited love and the toil of domestic responsibility the core of the narrative, (which only becomes apparent very late and would be a MASSIVE spoiler if i told you) is deeply human and unsettling. Whilst this work seems highly fictional so to speak the core of this is an entirely plausible insight into humanity and its darker, hidden, corners. At it’s heart Small Pleasures is a beautiful easy read with a beautifully human narrative and portrayal of the domestic female experience of a woman destined to care in its many forms.