loisjelo2's review
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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
4.5
Moving mediation on motherhood, the love a mother has for her child, and the struggle to be an artist when also a mother
myfrogmonster's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
The audiobook was well done. The narrator did a great job of bringing the different characters to life. As a big fan of this author I can say I liked it but I found it at times slow and tedious. I will chalk this one up as a story I was just not that into. I would guess others would love this as it has the usual beautiful style and voice that Maggie O'Farrell does so very well.
andreamanuel13's review
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
sungmemoonstruck's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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
5.0
I've been slowly making my way through Maggie O'Farrell's backlist and it's been so, so rewarding. This is a flawlessly written story of two women struggling to define their own lives, a meditation on motherhood and creativity, and a bit of an old-fashioned family drama. I was mesmerized the entire time, both on a sentence level and by the entire book.
annrhub's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
judenoseinabook's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Best book I've read in a while. Very intriguing as to the connection between the characters. I did begin to guess, but not the detail.
The description of Elina's struggles with post natal depression are heart rending, why didn't she ask for help? But no one was looking to help her and poor Ted was so messed up by the glimpses of his past.
Lexi was such a strong character. Gloria and Margot so obnoxious but believable, I know someone who could have been a blueprint for Gloria!
I found the period details fascinating and the whole book very moving. Loved it.
The description of Elina's struggles with post natal depression are heart rending, why didn't she ask for help? But no one was looking to help her and poor Ted was so messed up by the glimpses of his past.
Lexi was such a strong character. Gloria and Margot so obnoxious but believable, I know someone who could have been a blueprint for Gloria!
I found the period details fascinating and the whole book very moving. Loved it.
tasmanian_bibliophile's review
4.0
‘Listen’
Lexie Sinclair, waiting for her life to begin, meets Innes Kent quite by accident at her parent’s home in the British countryside. This chance meeting provides the impetus for Lexie to move to London. It is the late 1950s, and Lexie plunges headfirst into the vibrant world of Soho. She learns about life, art and journalism. And then about tragic loss.
In the present day, Elina Vilkuna has survived the near-fatal caesarean delivery of her first child, and she and her boyfriend Ted are negotiating the minefield of parenthood. While Elina, a painter, struggles with the demands of motherhood, Ted is experiencing flashbacks to his own childhood.
The stories of Lexie and Elina occupy alternate chapters. We know Lexie is heading for disaster, we worry about Elina, and wonder what are the connections are between their stories. And Ted: why do his memories of his childhood differ from those of his parents?
There are parallels between the stories of Lexie and Elina, and there are links as well in location and art. Life, the novel reminds us, is mutable and nothing is permanent: past, present or future.
I enjoyed this novel and will be eagerly seeking the three novels by Ms O’Farrell that I’ve not yet read.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Lexie Sinclair, waiting for her life to begin, meets Innes Kent quite by accident at her parent’s home in the British countryside. This chance meeting provides the impetus for Lexie to move to London. It is the late 1950s, and Lexie plunges headfirst into the vibrant world of Soho. She learns about life, art and journalism. And then about tragic loss.
In the present day, Elina Vilkuna has survived the near-fatal caesarean delivery of her first child, and she and her boyfriend Ted are negotiating the minefield of parenthood. While Elina, a painter, struggles with the demands of motherhood, Ted is experiencing flashbacks to his own childhood.
The stories of Lexie and Elina occupy alternate chapters. We know Lexie is heading for disaster, we worry about Elina, and wonder what are the connections are between their stories. And Ted: why do his memories of his childhood differ from those of his parents?
There are parallels between the stories of Lexie and Elina, and there are links as well in location and art. Life, the novel reminds us, is mutable and nothing is permanent: past, present or future.
I enjoyed this novel and will be eagerly seeking the three novels by Ms O’Farrell that I’ve not yet read.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith