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blanham's review
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
Brother of the More Famous Jack was a delightful but moving visit to the lives of a slightly bohemian family in the 70s and 80s (?). Our narrator, Katherine, an intelligent 18yr old, on the brink of starting university, is disenchanted with London suburbia and becomes quickly wrapped up in the lives of the Goldman’s in the Sussex countryside. Jacob and Jane Goldman quickly become substitute parent figures for her, and she begins a burgeoning romance with their eldest son. I found Katherine’s narrative voice compelling, comedic and reflective, and certainly a product of the growing women’s liberation movement in the late 20th century. However, I struggled with her submissiveness and wanted more for her character and the other female characters around her. I found the writers perspective difficult to unpick as the book ultimately felt quite hopeless for women at the end. I loved the Goldman family and wanted to spend more time with them all, but did sometimes find the scene of dialogue erratic and confusing. I did not enjoy the portrayal of the predatory relationship between Katherine and John Millet at the start of the novel, but again, the novel may be considered product of its time in this respect. All in all, well deserving of four stars and a recommended read for all.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, and Sexual harassment