A review by jessica929
Small Pleasures by Clare Chambers

dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

1.0

I actually started and gave up on this book about a year ago, I tried again after seeing so many rave reviews. I wish I hadn't bothered. It was blatantly obvious what the outcome of the 'virgin birth' investigation would be, and even then it was rushed at the end. The twist in the last chapter felt utterly unnecessary and lacking in impact. 
I hated the demonisation of the only queer relationship in this book: the portrayal of the mean, child-hating, impoverished lesbian, the transformation of her lover from beautiful demure housewife to bedraggled frightened misery, the squalor and general lack, and the desperation to return to the 'good old days' of the heterosexual marriage. Doesn't matter how many times your main character repeats that she doesn't have a problem with lesbians; if it walks like a duck...
Also hated the comment that sex is the most important part of marriage - what a horrid, limited way for a supposedly kind and devoted man to see the world. 
Emotional cheating, poor handling of mental-health issues, demonisation of queer characters and the elderly, self-righteous and boring throughout. 
The only part that I appreciated was the way in which Jean's struggle with monotony and duty was presented, but even that was ruined by the completely unsympathetic depiction of her mother.