strawberrymivvy's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I read quite a lot of 20th century historical fiction, not very much further back in history, so this wasn't something I'd ordinarily pick up but was lent it by a friend.
Told from two points of view, we hear first how Bess, a poor girl from the docks, has to give up her baby the day she is born but how she scrimps and saves as she's determined to reclaim her when her situation has improved. We also hear about Alexandra, a wealthy widow who never leaves the house, passes her fears onto her daughter, and is persuaded to hire a nursemaid, Eliza, to give Charlotte some semblance of normality in her life.
The stories intertwine and inevitably there is tension between the two women (without giving too much away).
I found the novel enjoyable enough, if uninspiring, particularly as neither of the main characters were particularly loveable or sympathetic. An OK novel about the reality of what it means to be a mother
Told from two points of view, we hear first how Bess, a poor girl from the docks, has to give up her baby the day she is born but how she scrimps and saves as she's determined to reclaim her when her situation has improved. We also hear about Alexandra, a wealthy widow who never leaves the house, passes her fears onto her daughter, and is persuaded to hire a nursemaid, Eliza, to give Charlotte some semblance of normality in her life.
The stories intertwine and inevitably there is tension between the two women (without giving too much away).
I found the novel enjoyable enough, if uninspiring, particularly as neither of the main characters were particularly loveable or sympathetic. An OK novel about the reality of what it means to be a mother
Content Warnings
Minor: Mental illness
boekenalsontbijt's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Minor: Racism
heather_freshparchment's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
SO fascinating and gripping! The settlement felt a little bit too easy and slightly anachronistic, but I loved the rest.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pregnancy, Alcoholism, Mental illness, Confinement, and Kidnapping
Minor: Sexual content, Death of parent, Vomit, Deportation, Trafficking, Grief, Infidelity, and Slavery
day_reader's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Murder
rachelizx's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Child abuse, Death of parent, and Mental illness
amberinbookland's review against another edition
medium-paced
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Mental illness, Kidnapping, Sexism, Sexual harassment, and Sexual assault
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