A review by chantellcollins
Olive by Emma Gannon

challenging emotional reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.25

This is basically a story developed around the different perspectives of women's relationship to motherhood. It gave me a lot to think about in terms of our choices, pressure from society, and fertility issues. What I liked - was the different perspectives and honest, if not uncomfortable, opinions of many women when it comes to having children (whether by blood or love) or not. What I didn't like - I didn't feel like the characters were fleshed out, not even the protagonist. I felt that she was a carbon-copy British fictional female main character. Also, the trope of a gay best friend who is only there to support the protagonist in a one-sided relationship is a bit old. But overall, I'm glad I read this book; it gave me a lot to think about. 
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