Scan barcode
dahlialover's review
emotional
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
4.25
Focuses on the complexity of family relationships and how they evolve over time. Slow, moving account of perceptions and the reality of living in a complicated world. Shameful reality of how people were slow to be compassionate about racial, religious and sexual differences
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism
Moderate: Racism, Self harm, and Suicide attempt
qualp_'s review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Beautifully written; incredibly sad, but not exactly bleak. The kind of sorrow that's inherent to life on this earth, that touches all of us, even those with the best intentions and hearts full of kindness. Compassionate to all its characters. Basically wanted to cry the last 1/3 of the book, but I couldn't put it down after things got going.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism
Moderate: Abandonment
lindsaylitlover's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
I really loved the first book in this series and had high hopes for this one. Unfortunately, I mostly didn't find that this retelling of the events of the first book from the perspective of the Baughman family added much for me. I really wanted to empathize with the characters in this family, but ultimately I had a very hard time connecting with them. In particular, I never felt that the story got to the root of the thoughts/emotions/motivations behind Jack's actions for me to fully feel for him. I will probably pick up "Lila" eventually just because I enjoyed "Gilead" so much, but I won't be in such a hurry as I was to continue the series after the first book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Child death
caribbeangirlreading's review against another edition
emotional
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
5.0
Gilead was good but Home has blown my mind away. This retelling of the parable of the prodigal son, from the POV of the other sibling, is brilliant. Its last 50 pages are some of the most moving I have ever read. I also love how, once again, and very subtly, Robinson also weaves in the history of Black America. This time, as it was happening in a land, far, far away from Gilead, Iowa, known as Montgomery, Alabama. All authors should learn from Robison how to bring in historical references without hitting the reader over the head. She never told us, she showed us.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Grief
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Racism, Dementia, and Religious bigotry