heyhannahrae's review against another edition
4.0
Readers were AMAZING ( the child voices were perfectly done) and the story was satisfying. I doubt I’ll remember it very well in a few weeks but I did really like it!
hooksbookswanderlust's review
5.0
It’s easier to kill a man than a gator, but it takes the same kind of wait.
Actual rating 4.5, bumped up to 5 for GR.
I won’t lie, I originally picked this book because of the cover and the promise of a Crawdads-like story, but I’m so glad I did! I really loved this story! The first line (above) hooked me from the from the start and I knew it was going to be a great book, and it absolutely lived up to its promise. I finished this book weeks ago, only now sitting to write the review, and even this long after finishing it, I can’t stop thinking about these characters and this story. I’m already thinking of a second listen.
This is a story of three women doing what it takes to take care of their families and their community. Each woman offers a different viewpoint, but all are equally well-thought out and depicted. Gertrude suffers the fist of her drunk husband and, after she and her daughters nearly starve to death, she takes matters into her own hands, moving back to her hometown, securing work and a house to rent. Retta, who is probably my favorite character of the story for her no-nonsense manner and her kind heart, is the daughter of a former enslaved woman, still working for the same family as housekeeper and cook. Annie, the wife of the most prominent man in town, is Retta’s employer and owner of the sewing circle business where Gertrude comes to work.
As events unfold and past sins are discovered, these women will stand their ground together, for their children, for each other, and for their community.
I listened to the audiobook version, which was so well done and I highly recommend. Three different women have been cast for each of our main characters and they really bring the story to life.
This is a binge-worthy read/listen that is both haunting and heartening. If you loved Where the Crawdads Sing and have been looking for another book with the same slow burn Southern vibes, strong female characters, and swamp justice, then Deb Spera’s Call Your Daughter Home should definitely be added to your TBR.
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amplify's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
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? It's complicated
5.0
Absolutely loved this - felt like Where the Crawdad's Sing only...more developed, nuanced, and real.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Incest, Adult/minor relationship, Sexual violence, and Murder
carrienation76's review
1.0
This book seemed promising but failed to deliver. For 300+ pages, there was ultimately very little action and only moderate character development. Each chapter signaled a new character, and many chapters felt too short to feel impactful, instead coming off as an obligatory "check in." The last 15 pages are the most exciting, and they aren't worth the effort to reach them. The reveal is basic and underdeveloped. It isn't satisfying or meaningful, but feels artificial and short-lived. Context for secondary characters is minimal, so I felt a shred of emotion for Mary and yet not a tear for any other child, living or dead. Spera is disturbingly cavalier in referencing lynching as a concept, never giving the topic any space or weight, but instead dropping it in as an empty historical reference.
Overall, plot is basic and empty. Moderately strong start that never quite pans into something. Writing style is inviting, but nothing magical. Repeatedly jolted awake after accidentally passing out while reading. Pages are held together by book binding and tired cliches.
Overall, plot is basic and empty. Moderately strong start that never quite pans into something. Writing style is inviting, but nothing magical. Repeatedly jolted awake after accidentally passing out while reading. Pages are held together by book binding and tired cliches.
sblyon's review
4.0
Daughters are a most precious gift! Call Your Daughter Home is a remarkable story about the strength of women, no matter age or ethnicity, and the absolute desire to protect her children and those most precious to her.
jenna_cross's review
4.0
Really great family saga but not in the epic 5 star range. Great read for my in person book club. Ended the year on a high note. (I was late finishing but it was our December read)
kristenfh's review
5.0
Great book! From the very beginning to the very end, it kept my interest with fantastic characters and a well told story. This is the author’s first novel, so I look forward to more from her.
ebrock's review
emotional
reflective
slow-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