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erinwolf1997's review
dark
emotional
reflective
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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child death, Homophobia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Blood, Grief, and Lesbophobia
Moderate: Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Abortion, Murder, Pregnancy, and Abandonment
Minor: Child abuse
greenjess's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-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
4.5
Brief Synopsis:
The Women of Brewster Place is a novel that tells the stories of seven Black women living in a decaying urban neighborhood. The women face various personal struggles, from heartbreak and unfulfilled dreams to oppression and marginalization. The novel explores their lives, their endurance, and the sense of community they build as they navigate their hardships.
The Women of Brewster Place is a novel that tells the stories of seven Black women living in a decaying urban neighborhood. The women face various personal struggles, from heartbreak and unfulfilled dreams to oppression and marginalization. The novel explores their lives, their endurance, and the sense of community they build as they navigate their hardships.
Basic Themes:
Key themes include resilience in the face of adversity, the importance of community and sisterhood, and the effects of systemic oppression, particularly against women of color. Gloria Naylor also delves into themes of loneliness, sexuality, and the quest for identity and belonging.
Key themes include resilience in the face of adversity, the importance of community and sisterhood, and the effects of systemic oppression, particularly against women of color. Gloria Naylor also delves into themes of loneliness, sexuality, and the quest for identity and belonging.
Judgement of Writing Style:
Naylor’s writing is lyrical, rich, and deeply evocative. She masterfully weaves together multiple voices and perspectives, creating a tapestry of interconnected lives. Her use of vivid imagery and emotional depth gives life to each character's experiences, and she balances their internal struggles with broader social issues effortlessly.
Naylor’s writing is lyrical, rich, and deeply evocative. She masterfully weaves together multiple voices and perspectives, creating a tapestry of interconnected lives. Her use of vivid imagery and emotional depth gives life to each character's experiences, and she balances their internal struggles with broader social issues effortlessly.
Who Should Read the Book:
This novel will appeal to readers interested in character-driven stories that focus on the lives of marginalized people, particularly women of color. If you enjoy books that explore social justice, community, and the complexity of human relationships, this is a must-read.
This novel will appeal to readers interested in character-driven stories that focus on the lives of marginalized people, particularly women of color. If you enjoy books that explore social justice, community, and the complexity of human relationships, this is a must-read.
How It Made Me Feel:
Reading The Women of Brewster Place evoked a mixture of sorrow, empathy, and hope. The stories are emotionally charged, and you can feel the weight of each character's struggles. At the same time, there is a sense of resilience and solidarity that offers moments of optimism, despite the harsh realities the characters face.
Reading The Women of Brewster Place evoked a mixture of sorrow, empathy, and hope. The stories are emotionally charged, and you can feel the weight of each character's struggles. At the same time, there is a sense of resilience and solidarity that offers moments of optimism, despite the harsh realities the characters face.
Summary of What Happened (No Spoilers):
The novel follows the interconnected lives of seven women who live in Brewster Place, a run-down apartment complex. Each woman has a distinct story—some are seeking love, others redemption, and some simply a way to survive. Their lives intersect in meaningful ways, showing how shared experiences of hardship can unite people in unexpected ways.
The novel follows the interconnected lives of seven women who live in Brewster Place, a run-down apartment complex. Each woman has a distinct story—some are seeking love, others redemption, and some simply a way to survive. Their lives intersect in meaningful ways, showing how shared experiences of hardship can unite people in unexpected ways.
Loved or Hated & Why:
I loved the book for its deeply human portrayal of struggle, survival, and resilience. Naylor’s characters feel real, their pain palpable, and their stories are moving. The way she handles heavy themes with nuance and empathy is particularly impressive. The novel is both heartbreaking and empowering, a rare combination that makes it stand out.
I loved the book for its deeply human portrayal of struggle, survival, and resilience. Naylor’s characters feel real, their pain palpable, and their stories are moving. The way she handles heavy themes with nuance and empathy is particularly impressive. The novel is both heartbreaking and empowering, a rare combination that makes it stand out.
How Well the Book Achieved Its Goal:
Naylor achieved her goal of painting a vivid picture of the lives of marginalized women. The novel offers a profound commentary on social injustice while remaining deeply personal and intimate. Her characters' stories illuminate the complexities of race, gender, and class in America, making the book not only a great work of fiction but a powerful social critique.
Naylor achieved her goal of painting a vivid picture of the lives of marginalized women. The novel offers a profound commentary on social injustice while remaining deeply personal and intimate. Her characters' stories illuminate the complexities of race, gender, and class in America, making the book not only a great work of fiction but a powerful social critique.
Recommend or Not and Why:
I would highly recommend The Women of Brewster Place. It’s a poignant, thought-provoking novel that will resonate with anyone interested in human resilience and the bonds that form between people in difficult circumstances. Its relevance to discussions of systemic injustice and female empowerment makes it an important and timeless read.
I would highly recommend The Women of Brewster Place. It’s a poignant, thought-provoking novel that will resonate with anyone interested in human resilience and the bonds that form between people in difficult circumstances. Its relevance to discussions of systemic injustice and female empowerment makes it an important and timeless read.
Describe My Favorite Character:
My favorite character is Mattie Michael, a mother figure to many of the other women. Her warmth, wisdom, and inner strength stand out. She embodies resilience and compassion, despite facing her own deep personal tragedies. Mattie’s role as a cornerstone of the Brewster Place community is inspiring—she offers comfort and support when others need it most, making her an unforgettable presence in the novel.
My favorite character is Mattie Michael, a mother figure to many of the other women. Her warmth, wisdom, and inner strength stand out. She embodies resilience and compassion, despite facing her own deep personal tragedies. Mattie’s role as a cornerstone of the Brewster Place community is inspiring—she offers comfort and support when others need it most, making her an unforgettable presence in the novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Racism, Rape, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Alcoholism and Child death
cmrbwa's review
dark
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Biphobia, Homophobia, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, and Lesbophobia
passionatereader78's review
challenging
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book is a tear jerker. The Heartbreak theses women suffered was painful to read, however, the resilience and hope they showed is inspiring.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Body shaming, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Miscarriage, and Pregnancy
Minor: Sexual content
syds_shelves's review
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I don't see my extended family anymore. The last time I saw them was at my great great grandmother's funeral 3 years ago and before that, it had been more than ten years. This book reminded me of the best and worst of them. People can be complex and sifting through the feelings and pain isn't always clean, but with books it can be. This book reminded me of every conversation I would try and piece together through mumbles I heard through closed bedroom doors. It reminded me of every time I would be dismissed outside or to a different room so "grown folks" could talk. It reminded me of the best and the worst of the people I've loved who share blood with me and who I don't see anymore. With that, I already had a sandwich made of sympathy and tender feelings towards each character, and I didn't think it could grow until it turned into a triple-decker. I hate the limitations of this book - I want volumes and paragraphs about each of these people. I need to know that they're going to be okay. I need them to be okay. I also know that the snippets of life in this book is what makes it so special. They exist within each other's stories and in the pages, and that's it. Anything more might ruin the magic of the stories. But fuck, do I want more. I can't think of a short story collection (I don't read many for this very reason) other than Brandon Taylor's Filthy Animals that managed to pain a complete picture of characters and life for me, and Brewster was far more impactful for me than the former (and I love Brandon Taylor). I was comparing this to other "tales of misery" books - Homegoing, There, There, A little Life... I think this blows those out of the water in terms of the hopefulness. Maybe everything turns out okay. Maybe these women will still always have each other. This, unlike the others, leaves the ending open. It keeps you from the edge of truly knowing. And I think that's a kindness, even though I want more. This is so good. It is so much. I love it so much. Wow.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, and Abandonment
gobblingupbooks's review against another edition
4.0
I really loved this but holy shit check trigger warnings before reading!! That last story really took it out of me
My favorite story was Mattie! I also really loved Naylor’s lyrical, feverish prose in the prologue and epilogue.
My favorite story was Mattie! I also really loved Naylor’s lyrical, feverish prose in the prologue and epilogue.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Violence, Blood, and Grief
Moderate: Alcoholism and Child abuse
Minor: Child death
caughtbetweenpages's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A beautiful anthology collecting the lives of the Black women living in an under-served neighborhood from the neighborhood's inception to the moment it's torn down. I was especially delighted that the stories didn't exclusively focus on doom and gloom and difficulties, but that there was specifically room made for the beautiful moments of camaraderie between friends and families, specifically the way these generations of women do their best to build one another up even when the rest of the world fails them. There is a lot of sorrow (check the TW list), but the perseverance underlying it all was what kept me reading.
I was a little thrown off by the variety in length for some of the stories (eg. the opening story, Mattie, was about 1/5 of the whole book, whereas others were only a few pages long), because it seemed to grant more weight to some of these women compared to the others, and set me up to expect more of them, but it didn't make it less enjoyable to read overall. It did make it a little hard to pick up on the fact that the collection was moving through time, but again that wasn't a detracting factor to my enjoyment.
I was a little thrown off by the variety in length for some of the stories (eg. the opening story, Mattie, was about 1/5 of the whole book, whereas others were only a few pages long), because it seemed to grant more weight to some of these women compared to the others, and set me up to expect more of them, but it didn't make it less enjoyable to read overall. It did make it a little hard to pick up on the fact that the collection was moving through time, but again that wasn't a detracting factor to my enjoyment.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child death, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Racism, Rape, and Lesbophobia
midnightmarauder's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The Women of Brewster Place highlights the stories of many different women who come together unintentionally due to their shared grief over the things they've gone through in their lives.
There's Mattie Michael: a woman who had a baby out of wedlock and thought she could raise him well on love alone. He ends upkilling a man in a bar, forcing Mattie to put up her house as collateral for his bail, and he jumps bail, leaving her high and dry.
Then Etta Mae Johnson: Mattie's best friend who has only ever known how touse a man for all he's got, and when he can't give her anymore, he's gone. She soon realizes that living this type of life causes her pain; no matter how hard she tries to ignore that fact.
Following, Kiswana: a radical woman who fully embraces her black heritage and moves to Brewster Place for the purpose of finding the community she feels she lacked growing up.
Cora Lee: a lover of babies since childhood, whose obsession gets a bit too large and causes her tohave eight children by the end of the book .
And finally, Theresa and Lorraine: a lesbian couple who often fight about whether or not they're different from everyone else, solely on the count of their sexuality.
All of these women come from backgrounds that are not nearly similar to each other. But, they all come to Brewster Place to run, essentially, from the issues of their past. It is seen as a clean slate from the beatings, trauma, and pain that they experienced in those times.
Each story fits together like a puzzle piece as you read along, and I personally found myself captivated by these women's strengths. It gives a reminder that pain can often bring people together, and that isn't always in a bad way.
There's Mattie Michael: a woman who had a baby out of wedlock and thought she could raise him well on love alone. He ends up
Then Etta Mae Johnson: Mattie's best friend who has only ever known how to
Following, Kiswana: a radical woman who fully embraces her black heritage and moves to Brewster Place for the purpose of finding the community she feels she lacked growing up.
Cora Lee: a lover of babies since childhood, whose obsession gets a bit too large and causes her to
And finally, Theresa and Lorraine: a lesbian couple who often fight about whether or not they're different from everyone else, solely on the count of their sexuality.
All of these women come from backgrounds that are not nearly similar to each other. But, they all come to Brewster Place to run, essentially, from the issues of their past. It is seen as a clean slate from the beatings, trauma, and pain that they experienced in those times.
Each story fits together like a puzzle piece as you read along, and I personally found myself captivated by these women's strengths. It gives a reminder that pain can often bring people together, and that isn't always in a bad way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Death, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, Lesbophobia, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Physical abuse
Minor: Child death, Vomit, Religious bigotry, Abortion, and Death of parent
renareads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Sexual assault, Grief, Abortion, Murder, and Lesbophobia
tictactoney's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Gorgeous writing. The first story - Mattie's - was hands down my favorite.
The ending is hard. It hurts. Characters are growing and the community is beginning to thrive and then....it's all horrifically violated.
The ending is hard. It hurts. Characters are growing and the community is beginning to thrive and then....it's all horrifically violated.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Lesbophobia, and Sexual harassment