Reviews

Olive by Emma Gannon

vvmarquez's review against another edition

5.0

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, there’s something quite special to read (or listen, in my case) to so many of the thoughts and feelings I have had on the subject articulated by someone else.

lucyvf's review against another edition

2.0

A book about a woman coming to terms with the fact that she doesn't want kids. I found most of the characters annoying and didn't really believe a lot of the story lines. Tied up far too neatly at the end. Easy read, but not for me.

eanseeuw's review against another edition

hopeful fast-paced

4.25

almondrocher's review against another edition

2.0

As someone trying to make the daunting decision of whether or not to have kids, I thought this book would provide perspective. I couldn’t really relate though. Olive has a great job (but doesn’t seem to do much or care about it), doesn’t want children (for no articulate reasons), drinks way too much and feels lost in life and then in the end finds meaning and purpose in… being a stepmother. Seems to me like Olive wanted the reward of having kids without having to put in the hard work and effort of early years. 

leneliest's review against another edition

emotional reflective slow-paced

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

3.0

csager's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

cupcates's review against another edition

5.0

hey kids! not forcing parenthood on people is fun!

elissajane's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

horsley123's review against another edition

4.0

This is an easy and enjoyable read. It tackles the problem faced by many 30 somethings who feel a ticking clock - do they join in with the vast majority and have children, or decide against it, or perhaps nature decides for you. At this point friendships that you really thought were forever tend to get frayed, neglected or just past their sell by date.

I was interested in the four different viewpoints and how they did not complement each other, leading to fallings out and unhappiness. My one gripe is the end, in my world worn experience I am not sure that they would be able to maintain the friendship. Sorry all you hopeful 30 year olds but things change, people change and your mate from school who you can never imagine not being friends with may well disappear from your life.

keoc333's review against another edition

hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25