funktious's review against another edition
emotional
funny
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
An excellent bath read. A good family chronicle, like The Cazelets but shorter and with nicer characters, on the whole. Very 70s. I liked Kath a lot and was pleased that she refused to give up her knitting.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Medical trauma, Child death, and Sexism
charliemjs's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
It's very apparent that this book was written in the 80s. I would have given it a much higher rating had it not been for the amount of casual racism and sexism (the latter of which got worse as the book went on), which made it very difficult to enjoy the book.
Spoiler
I definitely liked the character of Jane the most, she had the most sense and I was glad Katherine had her as a guide. There were too parts of the book I found particularly distasteful. The first was Michele's treatment of Katherine - he was clearly abusive which was acknowledged but never properly dealt with and overall Katherine seemed to think of him fondly which was odd (unless I misunderstood this). The second was Jonathan's child with and marriage to a pupil of his. This was especially strange since Jonathan was meant to be some great guy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical trauma, Racism, Xenophobia, Toxic relationship, Misogyny, Child death, Sexism, Pregnancy, and Mental illness
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