elenajohansen's review against another edition
2.0
Even for a thoughtful and ponderous character study novel, this was slow-paced. My interest was low enough in the beginning that I wondered if I would have the mental fortitude to wade through all of this depression and misery to the finish, but fortunately for my sake, events did pick up in the middle for a while.
But ultimately, this is a fairly unrelenting parade of sadness and grief, lightened only by stupid decisions.
As a family saga, it makes its point effectively that women of one generation often reject the norms and values of the one that came before: Evelyn felt trapped by an unwanted marriage and was an indifferent mother at best; her daughter Laura overcompensated by trying to be the best of all Susie Homemakers; and her daughter Grace basically rejected the notion that she had to have goals in life at all, or to stay connected to her family.
Unfortunately for all three of them, the men in their lives were demanding, whiny assholes of one sort or another.
As interesting and valuable as it might be to reframe the Great American Lit Novel of Total Misery--a staple we simply can't seem to stop producing--with women front and center, this is still mostly about men; how men rule and shape women's lives and prevent them from being happy. It's also still the same brand of generic middle-class Americana, look at all these sad white people. Nothing about it felt original or noteworthy.
Many women in different phases of life, with different life experiences, could certainly see themselves in aspects of these characters, and I don't want to criticize anyone who found some sort of emotional revelation or catharsis within its pages. But I think this story tries and fails to have a hopeful ending, tacked on to the misery, and that left me disappointed.
But ultimately, this is a fairly unrelenting parade of sadness and grief, lightened only by stupid decisions.
As a family saga, it makes its point effectively that women of one generation often reject the norms and values of the one that came before: Evelyn felt trapped by an unwanted marriage and was an indifferent mother at best; her daughter Laura overcompensated by trying to be the best of all Susie Homemakers; and her daughter Grace basically rejected the notion that she had to have goals in life at all, or to stay connected to her family.
Unfortunately for all three of them, the men in their lives were demanding, whiny assholes of one sort or another.
As interesting and valuable as it might be to reframe the Great American Lit Novel of Total Misery--a staple we simply can't seem to stop producing--with women front and center, this is still mostly about men; how men rule and shape women's lives and prevent them from being happy. It's also still the same brand of generic middle-class Americana, look at all these sad white people. Nothing about it felt original or noteworthy.
Many women in different phases of life, with different life experiences, could certainly see themselves in aspects of these characters, and I don't want to criticize anyone who found some sort of emotional revelation or catharsis within its pages. But I think this story tries and fails to have a hopeful ending, tacked on to the misery, and that left me disappointed.
smittenforfiction's review against another edition
3.0
We all have a little dysfunction in our family, but I felt that the unhappiness in A Cloud in the Shape of a Girl felt exaggerated, and overwhelming. The writing itself is beautiful, and I know a lot of readers that love this kind of narrative. It just wasn't for me. I'm discovering that I'm very picky about the women's lit that I like.
There are big themes in this story: heartbreak, marriage, family dysfunction, alcoholism, drug abuse, death, grief, mortality.
“But it was hard not to think of her mother as she moved from the sink to the oven and back again, tasting and chopping and doing her best impersonation of her mother. She felt, not a presence, exactly. Something more earthbound, a better understanding, perhaps, of her mother and the life she lived. The endless small chores, the worries, never enough time, and always the barely movable obstacles of her husband and children.”
I didn't feel a connection to any of the characters, and had a really hard time remembering who was who.
This isn't for the readers who like a fast-moving plot, or surprises and action. It's a slow-burn, introspective novel that will make you think of your own mother, and whether you are like her.
Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for the complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
There are big themes in this story: heartbreak, marriage, family dysfunction, alcoholism, drug abuse, death, grief, mortality.
“But it was hard not to think of her mother as she moved from the sink to the oven and back again, tasting and chopping and doing her best impersonation of her mother. She felt, not a presence, exactly. Something more earthbound, a better understanding, perhaps, of her mother and the life she lived. The endless small chores, the worries, never enough time, and always the barely movable obstacles of her husband and children.”
I didn't feel a connection to any of the characters, and had a really hard time remembering who was who.
This isn't for the readers who like a fast-moving plot, or surprises and action. It's a slow-burn, introspective novel that will make you think of your own mother, and whether you are like her.
Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for the complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
elisabeth1st's review against another edition
3.0
Jean Thompson is a good writer. I liked her previous book, The Year We Left Home. Her stories unfold slowly and her characters are difficult to understand, and frankly, not easy to like. This book was a struggle. I liked it but would not tell a friend to run out and buy it and read. Perhaps a really good Book Club title for groups that actually discuss rather than drink wine.
wordsareweapons's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a copy for review.
This was a welcome change to what I've been reading lately. This book is a very poignant look at family relationships, and especially the women's role or expectations within said family. The story starts with Evelyn, a young woman during the war, who has dreams of continuing her job as a teacher. Evelyn wants nothing more than to get a degree and become a professor, but times being what they were she ended up having to settle and get married. They have kids, and the story then follows her daughter Laura. Laura is a worrisome creature who despite having advantages, also settles and marries. Then the story picks up with Grace, the granddaughter, and how Evelyn and Laura's resentment for their place in life effects Grace and the rest of the family.
The way the narrative all ties together is so well done. You immediately feel a connection with these women even with minimal back story. It's interesting to watch Evelyn, who never really wanted marriage, interact with her grown daughter. You get the sense that Evelyn wasn't the most nurturing mother, and that's possibly why Laura is always so concerned and nurturing to her children. Laura's little family is fairly dysfunctional. It's never portrayed as anyone in particulars fault, however as you read you get the impression that all the women internally blame themselves. I felt for these women and the roles they felt they had to play within the family dynamic, and for the fact that they wanted more than just that. It's not the happiest of endings, but I was left with a positive feeling that Grace was going to break the pattern of disappointment and resentment in her life.
This was a welcome change to what I've been reading lately. This book is a very poignant look at family relationships, and especially the women's role or expectations within said family. The story starts with Evelyn, a young woman during the war, who has dreams of continuing her job as a teacher. Evelyn wants nothing more than to get a degree and become a professor, but times being what they were she ended up having to settle and get married. They have kids, and the story then follows her daughter Laura. Laura is a worrisome creature who despite having advantages, also settles and marries. Then the story picks up with Grace, the granddaughter, and how Evelyn and Laura's resentment for their place in life effects Grace and the rest of the family.
The way the narrative all ties together is so well done. You immediately feel a connection with these women even with minimal back story. It's interesting to watch Evelyn, who never really wanted marriage, interact with her grown daughter. You get the sense that Evelyn wasn't the most nurturing mother, and that's possibly why Laura is always so concerned and nurturing to her children. Laura's little family is fairly dysfunctional. It's never portrayed as anyone in particulars fault, however as you read you get the impression that all the women internally blame themselves. I felt for these women and the roles they felt they had to play within the family dynamic, and for the fact that they wanted more than just that. It's not the happiest of endings, but I was left with a positive feeling that Grace was going to break the pattern of disappointment and resentment in her life.
smittenforfiction's review against another edition
3.0
We all have a little dysfunction in our family, but I felt that the unhappiness in A Cloud in the Shape of a Girl felt exaggerated, and overwhelming. The writing itself is beautiful, and I know a lot of readers that love this kind of narrative. It just wasn't for me. I'm discovering that I'm very picky about the women's lit that I like.
There are big themes in this story: heartbreak, marriage, family dysfunction, alcoholism, drug abuse, death, grief, mortality.
“But it was hard not to think of her mother as she moved from the sink to the oven and back again, tasting and chopping and doing her best impersonation of her mother. She felt, not a presence, exactly. Something more earthbound, a better understanding, perhaps, of her mother and the life she lived. The endless small chores, the worries, never enough time, and always the barely movable obstacles of her husband and children.”
I didn't feel a connection to any of the characters, and had a really hard time remembering who was who.
This isn't for the readers who like a fast-moving plot, or surprises and action. It's a slow-burn, introspective novel that will make you think of your own mother, and whether you are like her.
Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for the complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
There are big themes in this story: heartbreak, marriage, family dysfunction, alcoholism, drug abuse, death, grief, mortality.
“But it was hard not to think of her mother as she moved from the sink to the oven and back again, tasting and chopping and doing her best impersonation of her mother. She felt, not a presence, exactly. Something more earthbound, a better understanding, perhaps, of her mother and the life she lived. The endless small chores, the worries, never enough time, and always the barely movable obstacles of her husband and children.”
I didn't feel a connection to any of the characters, and had a really hard time remembering who was who.
This isn't for the readers who like a fast-moving plot, or surprises and action. It's a slow-burn, introspective novel that will make you think of your own mother, and whether you are like her.
Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for the complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
soliteyah's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
shelleyann01's review against another edition
4.0
If you want to know who really loves you, look around and see who’s still standing next to you.
This is a story about relationships and finding one’s true self. The pace of the novel is measured and slowly builds, allowing the reader to be gently taken along for the ride. No major plot twists or adventure, this is a slice-of-life narrative that gives a peek into someone else's life. The characters are intriguing, quirky and classic Thompson.
She would never manage to break free from her family or cast off its legacy of unhappy women.
Jean Thompson is such a gifted writer that over the years I have read a lot of her books. She has the ability to use small and seemly insignificant details, but these just add to the feeling of reality. She never seems to miss anything happening around her and adds them to enhance her tales. This particular novel covers three generations of women, the story of a small life lived in big steps, and about the opportunities for self-discovery, self-realization and the missed chances to change ones path.
Here coffin that slowly passes, I give you my sprig of lilac.
The simplicity of the writing is so natural and so beautiful that although I wanted to finish it, I was sad when I did. A delightful read.
Thank you NetGalley, Simon Schuster and Jean Thompson for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an impartial review; all opinions are my own.
#ACloudInTheShapeOfAGirl #NetGalley
This is a story about relationships and finding one’s true self. The pace of the novel is measured and slowly builds, allowing the reader to be gently taken along for the ride. No major plot twists or adventure, this is a slice-of-life narrative that gives a peek into someone else's life. The characters are intriguing, quirky and classic Thompson.
She would never manage to break free from her family or cast off its legacy of unhappy women.
Jean Thompson is such a gifted writer that over the years I have read a lot of her books. She has the ability to use small and seemly insignificant details, but these just add to the feeling of reality. She never seems to miss anything happening around her and adds them to enhance her tales. This particular novel covers three generations of women, the story of a small life lived in big steps, and about the opportunities for self-discovery, self-realization and the missed chances to change ones path.
Here coffin that slowly passes, I give you my sprig of lilac.
The simplicity of the writing is so natural and so beautiful that although I wanted to finish it, I was sad when I did. A delightful read.
Thank you NetGalley, Simon Schuster and Jean Thompson for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an impartial review; all opinions are my own.
#ACloudInTheShapeOfAGirl #NetGalley
abookwormwithwine's review against another edition
4.0
If you are looking for an incredibly tragic, moving family saga then look no further, [b:A Cloud in the Shape of a Girl|38532222|A Cloud in the Shape of a Girl|Jean Thompson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1532867071l/38532222._SX50_.jpg|60165036] by [a:Jean Thompson|170967|Jean Thompson|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1327514825p2/170967.jpg] has you covered!
I went into A Cloud in the Shape of a Girl knowing it was going to be a family saga about three generations, but I don't think I realized just how sad it was going to be. There is a lot of hurt and pain in this book, so I definitely think you need to be in the right mood to read it. That being said, it was beautifully written, and I can tell that Thompson is very skilled at her craft. I think Grace was my favorite viewpoint, but also one of the saddest. This is a tear-jerker for sure so I would make sure to keep some tissues handy!
I listened to all of A Cloud in the Shape of a Girl on audio, and I really enjoyed the narrator Cassandra Campbell. She narrators another book that I want to listen to soon, so it is nice to know I already like her from this book. I listened to her on 1.8 speed which was perfect, and I could understand her just fine. I think that listening to this may have made it a tiny bit less of a tear-jerker for me so if you are worried about crying while listening to the audio, you might not have to. It's sad and tragic, but doing the audio detached me a little bit and I didn't cry a whole lot even though usually I'm sure I would.
Song/s the book brought to mind: Elastic Heart by Sia
Final Thought: There aren't a whole lot of happy things that happen in A Cloud in the Shape of a Girl, so if you aren't in the mood to be melancholy this might not be the book for you. It made me long for lilac trees, and lilac seemed to be a theme in and of itself which was very interesting. The book revolves around the lives of three different generations of women, and if that sounds like your thing I would definitely recommend checking it out. I'm glad I did the audio of this book, and I look forward to reading more from Thompson.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy of this book (and a candle!), all opinions and thoughts are my own.
I went into A Cloud in the Shape of a Girl knowing it was going to be a family saga about three generations, but I don't think I realized just how sad it was going to be. There is a lot of hurt and pain in this book, so I definitely think you need to be in the right mood to read it. That being said, it was beautifully written, and I can tell that Thompson is very skilled at her craft. I think Grace was my favorite viewpoint, but also one of the saddest. This is a tear-jerker for sure so I would make sure to keep some tissues handy!
I listened to all of A Cloud in the Shape of a Girl on audio, and I really enjoyed the narrator Cassandra Campbell. She narrators another book that I want to listen to soon, so it is nice to know I already like her from this book. I listened to her on 1.8 speed which was perfect, and I could understand her just fine. I think that listening to this may have made it a tiny bit less of a tear-jerker for me so if you are worried about crying while listening to the audio, you might not have to. It's sad and tragic, but doing the audio detached me a little bit and I didn't cry a whole lot even though usually I'm sure I would.
Song/s the book brought to mind: Elastic Heart by Sia
Final Thought: There aren't a whole lot of happy things that happen in A Cloud in the Shape of a Girl, so if you aren't in the mood to be melancholy this might not be the book for you. It made me long for lilac trees, and lilac seemed to be a theme in and of itself which was very interesting. The book revolves around the lives of three different generations of women, and if that sounds like your thing I would definitely recommend checking it out. I'm glad I did the audio of this book, and I look forward to reading more from Thompson.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy of this book (and a candle!), all opinions and thoughts are my own.
m_fhowe's review against another edition
3.0
I picked this up because I enjoy character driven books and thought the premise of a book focused around three generations of family would be interesting. This book definitely delivered in my opinion. I found it to be an interesting study of complex women and the discontent men in their lives. I found myself frustrated with the characters at different points throughout the novel but that to me meant they were well written and realistic. This was a fast read for me even with the "heavier" content. This is not a happy book but it does pull you in and keep you engaged. My only disappointment with this was the last portion of the book which I felt didn't match the rest of the book or the ending I was looking for.
I would definitely recommend picking this up and think it would be a good book club read because there is a lot to unpack here.
I would definitely recommend picking this up and think it would be a good book club read because there is a lot to unpack here.