canadiantiquarian's review against another edition
reflective
slow-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
3.5
a_l_deleon's review
3.0
Dao does a great job of giving us a glimpse into the thoughts and interactions women have at various stages of their lives in The Gentle Order of Girls and Boys, especially their interactions with boys and men. But it’s a slow read and there’s more internal character conflict than there is outer external conflict to drive the plot in each short story.
There is one passage close to the end of the book that will remain with me for years. It ends with the phrase, “I have tried to look at you with love”. I won’t spoil the book for those that wish to read it and tell you why that is significant, but for those who have or will read it, I suspect you’ll find that passage just as fitting as I did.
There is one passage close to the end of the book that will remain with me for years. It ends with the phrase, “I have tried to look at you with love”. I won’t spoil the book for those that wish to read it and tell you why that is significant, but for those who have or will read it, I suspect you’ll find that passage just as fitting as I did.
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