shainalite's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
This book is a critique towards society, many things deemed as standard and normalcy in society were questioned here by our chemist main character, her daughter, her neighbor, and her intelligent dog. Topics such as marriage, motherhood, education (how awful Madeleine's teacher was!), family, passion, religion, journalism, entertainment, etc especially when it includes women in it are brought up and challenged here.
Everything is perfectly arranged and stitched into a story, the revelation is what closes the book.
Graphic: Vomit, Excrement, Gaslighting, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Grief, Sexism, Sexual violence, Violence, Suicidal thoughts, Rape, Sexual harassment, Death, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Forced institutionalization, Suicide, and Car accident
annoyedhumanoid's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
*except, to be honest, Walter Pine. i don't see how he was much better than the villainous men before him (Donatti and Lebensmal); maybe he was "just following orders", but as if that makes up for it. he's a devoted father, but what kind of daughter's role model is complicit in the mistreatment of women under his own purview? but of course he's ultimately
Spoiler
rewarded with a promotion—which i don't fault the writing for, it's prob the most realistic course of events unfortunately—but less believably, becomes bffs with Elizabeth at the drop of a hatGraphic: Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Death, Grief, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Suicide, Blood, Sexual harassment, Abandonment, Death of parent, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Miscarriage, Cursing, Excrement, Fatphobia, Gore, Vomit, Infidelity, Pregnancy, Religious bigotry, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Car accident, Classism, Violence, Alcohol, Animal cruelty, Abortion, Child abuse, Body shaming, Child death, Emotional abuse, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, and Racism