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allymute's reviews
299 reviews
Chrysalis by Anna Metcalfe
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I'm grateful to Netgalley and Random House for an ARC! Chrysalis, by Anna Metcalfe, follows three people - a former lover, a mother, and a friend - whose lives are influenced by an unnamed woman that transforms herself through spiritual and physical wellness. The three sections of the novel follow each person in their history with the woman. While this novel starts off strong and subtly addresses the entitlement of the male gaze, the novel loses some steam in the second part of this book. The novel finishes stronger in the third half, where it contemplates influence and women's friendships. Overall, this read a strong debut and is fascinating to see unfold.
The Female Man by Joanna Russ
challenging
medium-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? Yes
My main issues with this book are more its structure than its conceits. A lot of criticisms say that the book is out of date, which to some degree it is, but it's not fair to use contemporary politics to judge the social dynamics of the 1960's. Jael was introduced too late into the story, which is a shame, because she is a fascinating character that ultimately ties all four women together. She could've made the story more compelling. The humor in this novel is sharp, and is the novel's greatest strength.
Seven Empty Houses by Samanta Schweblin
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
really enjoyed these short stories, and I think this is a cohesive set. My only critique is that some of these feels like vignettes, and not fully realized stories. Even then, I thought they were intriguing and strong.
Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Jean Rhys is such an engaging writer, and I'm glad that I read this novel. Her characterizations of mental illness and power are really gripping. The history of race and ethnicity in the West Indies is a complex topic that, understandably, this novel only covers from a very specific perspective. I don't think Rhys gives the "correct" analysis, just one.