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belleslibrary1012's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Graphic: Fatphobia, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicide, Violence, Grief, Religious bigotry, Pregnancy, and Sexual harassment
kelsimarirobb's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Body shaming, Child death, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Suicide, Vomit, Grief, Religious bigotry, Car accident, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent
bookobsessednow's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I saw a fan edit of Elizabeth and Calvin for the TV show adaptation. I fell in love with it and found out it was from a book. The story switches povs and gives insight on how all the characters are involved, especially surrounding Calvin and of course Elizabeth. Through Elizabeth eyes and the women in the story, we see how women were underestimated and was expected to be within certain traditional societal roles. It is kinda funny as Elizabeth agrees to cook for the tv show and a man STILLS calls the shot even though "being in the kitchen is supposed to a woman's job". The women also partook in the misogynistic ideals, almost to the point bullying (Ms Mudd, i hate you. How sad for a full grown adult to go after a literal child) Sadly there are segsual harassment and assault mentioned, where the women spoke of it happening to them. This also occurred where the perpetrators was men in power or simply the next door husband. There are also themes of abuse, work discrimination, and everything we know of society back in 1950s-1960s. It definitely doesn't give us full on reparations and the ending we want, especially for Elizabeth and Madeline. Besides from them, we also get a glimpse into Calvin's past and how even he had his rough childhood. I just wanted him to get the childhood and parents he wanted and deserved (tbh literally any child). At least we see that Madeline gets to know his mom
Graphic: Bullying, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual assault, Religious bigotry, and Sexual harassment
emmas_shelf's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I liked the historical context of this book being in the 60s and thus the themes of second wave feminism in its earlier forms. However, I do feel like this book didn't fully touch on intersectionality as much as it could have - although the author does mention intersectionality in the interview attached to the end of the audiobook which I thought was really insightful. I didn't realise this is a debut novel for the author, nor did I realise they were published later in their writing life. I think having the context of knowing she wanted to write about her mother's generation helped. Also she isn't a chemist, which considering how much chemistry knowledge is in this book is very impressive!
I almost want to join a book club to discuss the themes, difference scenes which popped up and I am wanting to watch the Apple TV series now to almost re-read/ go over this story again. There were some harder scenes to listen to but key themes of gender, workplace harassment, domestic violence, media, woman empowerment.
I think this book also had some whimsy aspects of it, none more so than having Six-Thirty the dog and thus an additional, unexpected POV to read from. It was an interesting creative decision but I didn't find myself hating it - although I know from reading other reviews, it wasn't to other people's taste.
Whilst one can read LIC and think 'it's at least not as bad for us(meaning women/ female-presenting people) nowadays' - I also think it is the point of the book to highlight how there are still too many similarities between Elizabeth Zott's reality and today. Which I also think is exactly the point, I am glad I read this book as its outside what I normally I read and it made me think. I suspect I will find myself randomly thinking about this book again and again, which to me is a good thing.
The expanse of side characters and how they all interwove together is a trope of mine I extremely enjoy. I was super satisfied with the ending of this book and enjoyed that Harriet, Walter, Rev. Wakely and even Fran Frask all intertwined within the novel. I just love it when the bigger picture/ small details circle back within a book.
I am very interested in reading whatever Bonnie wants to write next.
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexual assault, Violence, Grief, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Physical abuse, Religious bigotry, and Pregnancy
Minor: Domestic abuse, Miscarriage, Suicide, Car accident, and Death of parent
steph_weigle's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Death, Fatphobia, Infidelity, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, Grief, Religious bigotry, Car accident, Pregnancy, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Eating disorder, Miscarriage, Pedophilia, Sexual content, Suicide, Forced institutionalization, Death of parent, Outing, and Alcohol
lillypowell's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Sexism
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Suicide, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
dreezy's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Grief, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Body shaming, Physical abuse, Religious bigotry, and Pregnancy
Minor: Child abuse, Child death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Homophobia, Infidelity, Pedophilia, Suicide, Vomit, Car accident, and Abandonment
oweatherwax's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault
Minor: Police brutality, Religious bigotry, Car accident, and Death of parent
shadowmaster13's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Sexual assault
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Religious bigotry, Car accident, Pregnancy, and Sexual harassment
achalasiaasha'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? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Misogyny, Pedophilia, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, and Religious bigotry