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constancelee's review against another edition
3.0
This is a well-told story about a tomboy named Wally Baker, growing up in her grandparents’ house in post-World War II Brooklyn. The pacing of the story was perfect and it held my interest well. The characters were enjoyable, though based on the synopsis I expected just a little more from Wally. I don’t know what was lacking for me, to take her from being a good character to a truly memorable one, but my time with her was still well spent. I also expected more intrigue from her “dazzling but unstable” mother, Stella. Mr. Niederman—the tenant Wally and her and her mother take in at the request of Wally’s father who is away at war—and his secret work were of interest to me. I would have preferred more of his presence throughout, but I understand why, because of the plot, it wasn’t possible. Loretta, the grandparents' black maid, and the maid's son, Ham were believable and likeable supporting characters, though the grandparents themselves felt a bit like props. Again, I am not sure what could have made them better. It seemed the author was ticking all the right boxes, but I wasn’t always making an emotional connection.
It’s hard to say much about plot without giving things away but, although the book held my interest until the very end, I did not care much for the resolve of the story. The last quarter of the book felt a little rushed and unrealistic. Wally’s actions didn’t seem to match her emotions or intentions (maybe that was part of her complexity), and she came to terms with different conflicts without much of a struggle. It was all a little too neat and easy for me, though I know a lot of people prefer this type of ending to one with a lot of loose ends.
The entomology parts were a great addition. Interesting, but never overdone or drawn out to the point where one would get bored. I learned a lot about ants! I would have enjoyed more historical facts thrown in as well, but for someone looking to be swept away by the story alone, I think they will find this book a welcome escape.
I received a digital galley from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
It’s hard to say much about plot without giving things away but, although the book held my interest until the very end, I did not care much for the resolve of the story. The last quarter of the book felt a little rushed and unrealistic. Wally’s actions didn’t seem to match her emotions or intentions (maybe that was part of her complexity), and she came to terms with different conflicts without much of a struggle. It was all a little too neat and easy for me, though I know a lot of people prefer this type of ending to one with a lot of loose ends.
The entomology parts were a great addition. Interesting, but never overdone or drawn out to the point where one would get bored. I learned a lot about ants! I would have enjoyed more historical facts thrown in as well, but for someone looking to be swept away by the story alone, I think they will find this book a welcome escape.
I received a digital galley from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
rakoerose's review against another edition
3.0
This book is difficult to rate based on my polarizing views, but I think I’ve settled somewhere in the middle.
"They even have names — scapus, funicula, and clava just to begin — but before you name them, you must see them, so look!"
This tale is a intensely focused tale on the family of Wallace (Wally) Baker and her obsession with ants. Her and her childhood best friend, Hamilton (Ham), grew up together and found their passions in very different places than what was expected of them. At the same time there is an underlying secrecy about Wally’s mother’s relationship with a man who lodged in their home before WWII’s end. I’m also not joking about the ants obsession - it accounts for a large portion of Wally’s life and musings.
It’s a messy tale full of imperfect humans. I particularly enjoy that type of historical or literary fiction, but at the same time this book felt so slow to get into initially. The last third of this book was incredibly enjoyable and faster paced, but I don’t know how many people would be willing to march through the opening and watching two children grow up! I wish the whole book had contained the latter section’s pacing.
I also found myself disgruntled at the amount of times Wally is commented on for her tomboyish nature in a way that is more disparaging. So often she was described as “like a boy” or “just a girl” and I wanted to lay down. This author really weaved in good discussions on racism from that time period, yet seems to uphold the weird expectations for women back then? It didn’t line up right.
However, my favorite character was Dr. Somersby, an entomologist working in the zoology department of a museum. We see him the least but every time he was on the page, I adored him and his eccentricity. He’s the type of character whose passions make you understand why some people end up in such specific career paths. Much love for him.
In the end, I don’t regret picking this book up! If you’re interested I still would recommend it but I don’t think I’ll be returning to it anytime soon. If Gaffney has written other historical fiction pieces, I’m inclined to check them out.
"They even have names — scapus, funicula, and clava just to begin — but before you name them, you must see them, so look!"
This tale is a intensely focused tale on the family of Wallace (Wally) Baker and her obsession with ants. Her and her childhood best friend, Hamilton (Ham), grew up together and found their passions in very different places than what was expected of them. At the same time there is an underlying secrecy about Wally’s mother’s relationship with a man who lodged in their home before WWII’s end. I’m also not joking about the ants obsession - it accounts for a large portion of Wally’s life and musings.
It’s a messy tale full of imperfect humans. I particularly enjoy that type of historical or literary fiction, but at the same time this book felt so slow to get into initially. The last third of this book was incredibly enjoyable and faster paced, but I don’t know how many people would be willing to march through the opening and watching two children grow up! I wish the whole book had contained the latter section’s pacing.
I also found myself disgruntled at the amount of times Wally is commented on for her tomboyish nature in a way that is more disparaging. So often she was described as “like a boy” or “just a girl” and I wanted to lay down. This author really weaved in good discussions on racism from that time period, yet seems to uphold the weird expectations for women back then? It didn’t line up right.
However, my favorite character was Dr. Somersby, an entomologist working in the zoology department of a museum. We see him the least but every time he was on the page, I adored him and his eccentricity. He’s the type of character whose passions make you understand why some people end up in such specific career paths. Much love for him.
In the end, I don’t regret picking this book up! If you’re interested I still would recommend it but I don’t think I’ll be returning to it anytime soon. If Gaffney has written other historical fiction pieces, I’m inclined to check them out.
jetia13's review against another edition
2.0
i actually didn't mind the ants - those parts made sense...
kittykornerlibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
Well-drawn characters; and it's interesting to read a book set during World War II, and the following years, in which the plot centers around what is happening back in the U.S. Relationships and family dynamics play a large role, with an American upstairs/downstairs twist. I would happily read another book by this author.
nic_m_hud's review against another edition
3.0
This was a good read. I wasn't happy with who Wally ended up with though.
katykat3's review against another edition
4.0
When the World was Young really captured my interest and attention. It was a very fast read to me, due to the scientific undertones, and the wide cast of characters. I really enjoyed all the characters, and felt like they acted like real people. The layout of the book was a little strange: so much time was spent when Wally was young, that her older life was rushed and the ending was just...a quick way to give the book some circular feelings so the ending made sense. And though Loretta, Wally, Ham and Stella were beautiful characters, I felt that Leo and the admiral were rather underdeveloped.
I received this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
I received this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
pamelarope's review against another edition
2.0
I listened to this book because I really liked the premise. I love reading about old New York, especially during World War II. I wound up being really disappointed in the book, though, because it was so nonlinear for the first half. The character of Stella Baker was portrayed as smart, strong, and loving of her daughter. Then something happens that contradicts all that. I also didn't care for the whole entomology plotline. I liked that Wally loved science, but hearing about the ants kind of made my stomach churn. I was also really disappointed in Wally at the end, for sleeping with two guys in so short of a time, and then getting pregnant. This story portrayed her as being strong and wanting to get a really good education, but not smart enough to avoid getting pregnant. Also, I had a hard time believing Leo would stay with her even though she was carrying another man's child. This novel had potential, but sadly, it didn't come to much.
wordnerdy's review against another edition
3.0
http://wordnerdy.blogspot.com/2014/04/2014-book-82.html
kashephe's review against another edition
3.0
It sort of lagged a bit in the middle but then it got really good as it headed towards the end.