Reviews

Olive by Emma Gannon

eanseeuw's review against another edition

hopeful fast-paced

4.25

almondrocher's review against another edition

2.0

As someone trying to make the daunting decision of whether or not to have kids, I thought this book would provide perspective. I couldn’t really relate though. Olive has a great job (but doesn’t seem to do much or care about it), doesn’t want children (for no articulate reasons), drinks way too much and feels lost in life and then in the end finds meaning and purpose in… being a stepmother. Seems to me like Olive wanted the reward of having kids without having to put in the hard work and effort of early years. 

leneliest's review against another edition

emotional reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

csager's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

cupcates's review against another edition

5.0

hey kids! not forcing parenthood on people is fun!

elissajane's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

horsley123's review against another edition

4.0

This is an easy and enjoyable read. It tackles the problem faced by many 30 somethings who feel a ticking clock - do they join in with the vast majority and have children, or decide against it, or perhaps nature decides for you. At this point friendships that you really thought were forever tend to get frayed, neglected or just past their sell by date.

I was interested in the four different viewpoints and how they did not complement each other, leading to fallings out and unhappiness. My one gripe is the end, in my world worn experience I am not sure that they would be able to maintain the friendship. Sorry all you hopeful 30 year olds but things change, people change and your mate from school who you can never imagine not being friends with may well disappear from your life.

keoc333's review against another edition

hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

mayanisma's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

poojagodh's review against another edition

4.0

I really enjoyed Olive and found it refreshing that it tackled the important and often overlooked topic of choosing to be childfree, and how that choice isn’t always accepted by others. The book also captured the reality of life in your 30s, where everyone’s lives seem to be moving in different directions and at different paces.

Emma Gannon did a fantastic job of portraying Olive’s internal struggles, making her feelings relatable, while also allowing her to remain fully human – flaws and all. Olive makes mistakes along the way, but that only made her journey more authentic and engaging. Overall, it’s a thoughtful and insightful read that I’d definitely recommend.