mysterymom46's review against another edition
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting and Sexism
Moderate: Miscarriage, Misogyny, Death of parent, and Medical content
Minor: Bullying, Racism, and Abandonment
clairekosewic's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I liked how the ending felt real! Like something that would actually happen. It seemed too good to be true that
Spoiler
Mitzy would actually stand up to Richard and tell everyone about the dangers of smoking. I liked that it was a probable ending, but not one that was aggressively depressing.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: War and Miscarriage
micasreads's review
5.0
Maddie Sykes is unceremoniously dropped on the doorstep of her Aunt Etta who lives in Bright Leaf, North Carolina - the tobacco capital of the East Coast. When her aunt is suddenly diagnosed with pneumonia and hospitalized, Maddie goes to stay with her aunt's friend Mitzi, who is married to the owner of the biggest tobacco plant in the county. On top of worrying about her aunt, Maddie is also responsible for the gowns her aunt was hired to make for the annual gala for all the tobacco wives.
During her time in Bright Leaf, Maddie gets to know how important the tobacco industry is to the town and how important the employer is to everyone in the area. When Maddie accidentally picks up a confidential letter that details what the company knows about the dangers of smoking - especially on pregnant women.
The narration of this book was fantastic. I truly enjoyed the different characters and the way in which they were portrayed; each had an attitude and personality all their own and were easily distinguished from each other. The narration definitely added to the charm of the story.
This was a different kind of historical fiction than I am used to and I really didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. This was a wonderfully well-told story that not only explained the tobacco manufacturers' process and thinking but there are also strong tones of feminism and the desire to improve the life of the poor.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage and Misogyny
honeycrispp's review
slow-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? No
4.0
Very immersive and fun, the descriptions are beautiful and you truly feel a part of this little North Carolinian town. It’s kind of a gentle-impact, escapist tale with strong feminist themes. It centers around our 15 year old protagonist, Maddie, and her adventures navigating the most memorable and impactful summer of her life. It’s a little idealist, a little slow and there’s a lot of ruminating on ethics and morality— which coming from the perspective of a “do no wrong” teenage protagonist can wax a little righteous if not tiresome. At the end of the day it’s a great book to unwind to, it’s a wonderful beach or poolside read and I would revisit it if only for the (spoilers) very rare satisfaction of everything pretty much going the best it realistically (and unrealistically) can. You don’t see that often in a book and it’s just the balm I needed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Death of parent, and Medical content
Moderate: Abandonment, Classism, and Infertility
Minor: Alcohol, Chronic illness, Miscarriage, Vomit, War, Grief, Homophobia, and Panic attacks/disorders
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