zsazsa_huppert's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-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? It's complicated
4.0
moiracelina's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
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? It's complicated
4.75
slinkmalink's review
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I did not realise there was no plot when I started this book and I'm not sure I would've picked it up if someone had told me that but I'm very glad I did bc I thought it was excellent
I loved the whole thing of a background character in someone else's life having their own story and all the tiny and big connections between them all
Even while covering such a wide spectrum of experiences every section felt super personal and had its own voice and I feel it's one of those books that makes you feel like you understand the world better u know I will definitely continue to think about it
I loved the whole thing of a background character in someone else's life having their own story and all the tiny and big connections between them all
Even while covering such a wide spectrum of experiences every section felt super personal and had its own voice and I feel it's one of those books that makes you feel like you understand the world better u know I will definitely continue to think about it
Content Warnings
Minor: Transphobia, Miscarriage, Racism, Rape, Misogyny, and Sexual assault
whiteflowerose's review against another edition
4.0
It took me a while but I finally finished Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo.
Let me tell you… It was a ride.
It is one of the rare books that lives up to the hype.
I can definitely see why it earned the booker prize for 2019.
This book is made of layers upon layers and stories woven into other stories that in the end create a full picture.
The characters really do seem real and are incredibly well developed.
It spans numerous generations and socioeconomic backgrounds and it is truly diverse, not just in terms of ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation but also in terms of points of view.
It brings to the table problematic and controversial topics and opinions but it doesn’t shy away from demonstrating how discriminatory and extremist they can be . It discusses privilege and the many forms it can take and the hardships of immigrants.
One thing I really appreciated, although very hard to read about, was the portrayal of an abusive wlw relationship. It is an issue rarely talked about, but it’s a reality for many people so it’s important to bring awareness to that.
On a completely different note, I did not expect so much wlw content in this book. I don't even remember anyone mentioning it, it was a pleasant surprise for me, but I probably would have read it much sooner if i knew haha.
Cw: domestic violence, rape, racism, suicide, drug use, deadnaming, miscarriage, infedelity, toxic relationship, homophobia, transphobia, racial slurs
Let me tell you… It was a ride.
It is one of the rare books that lives up to the hype.
I can definitely see why it earned the booker prize for 2019.
This book is made of layers upon layers and stories woven into other stories that in the end create a full picture.
The characters really do seem real and are incredibly well developed.
It spans numerous generations and socioeconomic backgrounds and it is truly diverse, not just in terms of ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation but also in terms of points of view.
It brings to the table problematic and controversial topics and opinions but it doesn’t shy away from demonstrating how discriminatory and extremist they can be . It discusses privilege and the many forms it can take and the hardships of immigrants.
One thing I really appreciated, although very hard to read about, was the portrayal of an abusive wlw relationship. It is an issue rarely talked about, but it’s a reality for many people so it’s important to bring awareness to that.
On a completely different note, I did not expect so much wlw content in this book. I don't even remember anyone mentioning it, it was a pleasant surprise for me, but I probably would have read it much sooner if i knew haha.
Cw: domestic violence, rape, racism, suicide, drug use, deadnaming, miscarriage, infedelity, toxic relationship, homophobia, transphobia, racial slurs
quirkilybookish's review
emotional
funny
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
hazelnootpasta7's review
4.0
A beautiful book showing the diversity of Black women. Everyone is their own person and it’s a shame that people, societies and media often portray Black women as an universal group. Because it strips them from their individuality and their own personal and unique stories/experiences in life.
I loved to get these snippets of this intertwined group of women. To see what drove them and what made them into the people they are. Which made me like or dislike them.
This book oozes with creativity and personalities! The writing style was something I’ve never experienced before. It made the book easy to read and some parts so very impactful and emotional.
No wonder it won the Booker Prize in 2019!
I loved to get these snippets of this intertwined group of women. To see what drove them and what made them into the people they are. Which made me like or dislike them.
This book oozes with creativity and personalities! The writing style was something I’ve never experienced before. It made the book easy to read and some parts so very impactful and emotional.
No wonder it won the Booker Prize in 2019!
char100t3's review
5.0
TW: Rape (don't read if it is a sensitive subject for you)
I can understand why people love to recommend this book as it is truly amazing. whilst I was reading this book learning about these peoples lives confused me, but it all made sense why once I reached the after party and epilogue. I would say that my favourite characters in this book were, Carol and Morgan (did I cry when I found out carol was 13 when she was raped, yes.) It also helped me to have better understanding of views and ideas older generations have on the LGBTQ+ community. This book is a solid 5 stars!
I can understand why people love to recommend this book as it is truly amazing. whilst I was reading this book learning about these peoples lives confused me, but it all made sense why once I reached the after party and epilogue. I would say that my favourite characters in this book were, Carol and Morgan (did I cry when I found out carol was 13 when she was raped, yes.) It also helped me to have better understanding of views and ideas older generations have on the LGBTQ+ community. This book is a solid 5 stars!
ezio1386's review
informative
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? It's complicated
4.0
emilykathleenwrites's review against another edition
5.0
I always worry when a book gets too much buzz. I fear my expectations will affect my experience. I went into Girl, Woman, Other, thinking I would like it, but wouldn't love it. Twelve Black women, a vast time span, a UK setting, and a deep exploration of LGBTQ issues over generations... The premise isn't just ambitious; it's intimidating. How can I care about so many people?? I worried so much of it would be over my head.
I listened to the audio, searching for reasons to feel meh, but the story and my attachment to the characters, the structure, and the writing continued to buld. The unique prose/poem style borders on the edge of free verse and kept me engaged.
I reserve my five-star ratings for two kinds of stories: 1) books I want to hug after reading and 2) books written by aliens. Meaning the writing is so beautiful, or the structure so interesting, or the story so thought-provoking that I am fundamentally changed after reading. These books feel other-worldly in some way. Girl, Woman, Other is an alien book. I'm not surprised it was awarded a Booker Prize.
I listened to the audio, searching for reasons to feel meh, but the story and my attachment to the characters, the structure, and the writing continued to buld. The unique prose/poem style borders on the edge of free verse and kept me engaged.
I reserve my five-star ratings for two kinds of stories: 1) books I want to hug after reading and 2) books written by aliens. Meaning the writing is so beautiful, or the structure so interesting, or the story so thought-provoking that I am fundamentally changed after reading. These books feel other-worldly in some way. Girl, Woman, Other is an alien book. I'm not surprised it was awarded a Booker Prize.