jenjenceline's review against another edition
3.0
I kept thinking how good of a movie this would be and then I found out a tv series with Benedict Cumberbatch exists (hes got the most special place in my heart bc of Sherlock).
The reason I kept thinking that though is because Small Island reads a little *too* tidy. The characters are always at the perfect spot to experience huge number of signposted events of the 40s/50s (The Burma War, Windrush generation, the Blitz, Calcutta riots, segregation in America - and way more). It does make the book sometimes seem contrived and unnatural because how can these people be in so many places at once??
But you know what - IDC - because is was just straight up enjoyable. An easy read (500+ pages and no struggle!!) and one that educates too.
The reason I kept thinking that though is because Small Island reads a little *too* tidy. The characters are always at the perfect spot to experience huge number of signposted events of the 40s/50s (The Burma War, Windrush generation, the Blitz, Calcutta riots, segregation in America - and way more). It does make the book sometimes seem contrived and unnatural because how can these people be in so many places at once??
But you know what - IDC - because is was just straight up enjoyable. An easy read (500+ pages and no struggle!!) and one that educates too.
novelesque_life's review against another edition
4.0
4 STARS
"Returning to England after the war Gilbert Joseph is treated very differently now that he is no longer in an RAF uniform. Joined by his wife Hortense, he rekindles a friendship with Queenie who takes in Jamaican lodgers. Can their dreams of a better life in England overcome the prejudice they face?" (From Amazon)
Beautifully written novel and very engaging.
"Returning to England after the war Gilbert Joseph is treated very differently now that he is no longer in an RAF uniform. Joined by his wife Hortense, he rekindles a friendship with Queenie who takes in Jamaican lodgers. Can their dreams of a better life in England overcome the prejudice they face?" (From Amazon)
Beautifully written novel and very engaging.
belindad's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
caitlin222's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
- 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? No
3.5
the_literarylinguist'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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
gretasbookclub's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
bibliotequeish's review against another edition
4.0
I'm so glad I finally picked up this book.
This is a full circle story told through the eyes of multiple characters, all experiencing similar story lines completely differently. It looks at racism and immigration from multiple standpoints and despite the heavy topics and disturbing situations, the story flowed beautifully in a surprisingly easy read.
This is a full circle story told through the eyes of multiple characters, all experiencing similar story lines completely differently. It looks at racism and immigration from multiple standpoints and despite the heavy topics and disturbing situations, the story flowed beautifully in a surprisingly easy read.
mister_goldfish's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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
4.5
Almost perfect and very moving. Just knocked a little off my score for a scene I didn't really want to read and a character arc which didn't make an awful lot of sense to me. But otherwise, very impressive.
lauraelliott's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75