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melissabeth's review against another edition
4.0
Very interesting novel that is also Rich with history of Barbados.
a_leos_bookgraph's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-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
‘The Girl With Hazel Eyes’ is the coming-of-age story of Susan Taylor, a young Bajan during the fight for independence during 1950s Barbados.
Heartbreak, trauma, spite and an opportunity that proves to good to be true leaves Susie living a life of shame, exile, solitude and regret.
Lia, an aspiring Bajan author is invited (present day) and entrusted to tell Susie’s story. As Susie’s story unfolds, Lia is left grappling with picking up the pieces of a woman she barely knows.
This book might be for anyone who liked The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Themes
•Consequence of revenge
•Making amends while you still have time
•Sharing your truth, making peace
•Politics and family life in Barbados during the 50s
•Accessibility to women’s health, then & now
Well written, maybe a bit predictable, I really enjoyed the cadence and characters of this story. I loved the complexity of the characters, but would have loved to have spent more time with Susie’s mom.
An excellent #caribbeanread
giselaelizabeth's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
authorkimberlyquay's review
5.0
I really enjoyed this book. The story is interesting and kept me reading. I liked the flashbacks to Barbados. It was very good, and I highly recommend it!
ned5clark's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
carla_campbell's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
keepingyouonread's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
This is a #bookstagram made me do it review. I followed @bajancallie for the beautiful photos of books in Barbados. Once we became friends, I realized she wrote a book and I knew I wanted to read it. Plus, that cover is gorgeous.
The Girl With The Hazel Eyes is told in a dual storyline with Lia’s POV in 2015 and Susan’s in 1966-67. Susan is Barbados’ most famous writer, unfortunately her book wasn’t well received on the island and she’s lived in exile in the States for many years. Newly single, a Lia wants to be a writer and against her mother’s wishes, she jumps at the chance to interview Susan and write a biography about her experiences.
What I liked: I felt like everyday life in 1960s Barbados was captured - I actually thought this was based on real events until I talked to Callie - it feels that real. Her characters don’t always make good choices but I found myself rooting for them and liking them. As in life, the characters make decisions that affect the rest of their lives - some they may end up regretting.
Susan’s story reads like diary entries, while Lia’s portions mimic the reader trying to figure out what is going on. Spoiler: Susan has some secrets.
What didn’t work for me: Full disclosure: Callie told me to be honest here. I wish there was more dialogue, especially with Susan. She’s so complex, I wanted to see her interact more.
I will warn you the ending is a bit open-ended (my favorite) but if you’re looking for full closure there is no neat epilogue.
Who should read it: Chanel Cleeton fans that enjoy the island vibes and history of her stories (there’s not a lot of romance in Hazel Eyes). I think fans of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo will like this book - both Susan and Evelyn are complex not always likable characters.
This is a #bookstagram made me do it review. I followed @bajancallie for the beautiful photos of books in Barbados. Once we became friends, I realized she wrote a book and I knew I wanted to read it. Plus, that cover is gorgeous.
The Girl With The Hazel Eyes is told in a dual storyline with Lia’s POV in 2015 and Susan’s in 1966-67. Susan is Barbados’ most famous writer, unfortunately her book wasn’t well received on the island and she’s lived in exile in the States for many years. Newly single, a Lia wants to be a writer and against her mother’s wishes, she jumps at the chance to interview Susan and write a biography about her experiences.
What I liked: I felt like everyday life in 1960s Barbados was captured - I actually thought this was based on real events until I talked to Callie - it feels that real. Her characters don’t always make good choices but I found myself rooting for them and liking them. As in life, the characters make decisions that affect the rest of their lives - some they may end up regretting.
Susan’s story reads like diary entries, while Lia’s portions mimic the reader trying to figure out what is going on. Spoiler: Susan has some secrets.
What didn’t work for me: Full disclosure: Callie told me to be honest here. I wish there was more dialogue, especially with Susan. She’s so complex, I wanted to see her interact more.
I will warn you the ending is a bit open-ended (my favorite) but if you’re looking for full closure there is no neat epilogue.
Who should read it: Chanel Cleeton fans that enjoy the island vibes and history of her stories (there’s not a lot of romance in Hazel Eyes). I think fans of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo will like this book - both Susan and Evelyn are complex not always likable characters.
tenn48's review against another edition
4.0
You know what, this is the first book (I say this with caution because I may be forgetting something) that I've read by a Caribbean author set in the Caribbean despite being a Caribbean woman myself. It was such a pleasure to read a story with characters and a lifestyle that felt familiar and could be a tale told by anyone in my family. I liked it a lot. I could see the connection between the characters coming but that didn't draw away from the story itself. Good read.
ashtonj's review against another edition
dark
emotional
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
3.0
dinahrachel's review against another edition
5.0
So much to like about this book, especially as a self-published debut. Hope someone has snapped up the movie rights for a large sum!