proceduralbob's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Incest, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Death, and Sexual assault
goyagoya's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
My biggest frustration with this book is the fact that it begins at a future point (November 1990) and somehow, with all its nauseating time jumps, we never return to that point, nor get context as to why it begins there. I read the entire book in anticipation of coming full circle, only for it to end, rather abruptly, months before that point.
I’m disappointed because I felt like this was an important moment, being set up right from the start, that went completely unaddressed.
Another issue I want to take up has to do with one of the major “plot twists” of the book, which is basically given away right from the get-go. There were so many topics crammed into this book that, by the end, you’re left wondering what whales had anything to do with the story. Deeply unsatisfying.
Side note: I had a lot of typos in my copy. Anyone else?
In summary:
Pros: You’ve got to hand it to her — Jodi Picoult has a bewitching way with words. Although the POVs jump around, each chapter is relatively short, making it an easier read. I have a newfound appreciation for apple orchards, and a few new whale facts to add to my small talk arsenal.
Cons: The other reviews sum it up — unlikeable characters, exhausting time jumps, underdeveloped themes.
I’m disappointed because I felt like this was an important moment, being set up right from the start, that went completely unaddressed.
Spoiler
For one, it’s set at least four months after Jane and Rebecca’s dramatic apple orchard sojourn. They’re looking at a photo, mailed by a character who doesn’t even get another mention in the book — Flex! Whatever, that’s not my issue. What I want to know is why Jane and Rebecca are even there, back at the orchard? Is it an implication that Jane went back to Sam? Based on Sam’s snappiness in that scene, it’s highly unlikely. Sadly, we never find out.Another issue I want to take up has to do with one of the major “plot twists” of the book, which is basically given away right from the get-go.
Spoiler
Hadley’s death. For such a major event, we barely get any indication of how the other characters feel about this, other than Rebecca. What about Joley? What about Sam? I wanted to feel his anger, his guilt, his grief. Instead, Sam seemed too wrapped up in his five-day fling to process that he just lost his childhood best friend.Side note: I had a lot of typos in my copy. Anyone else?
In summary:
Pros: You’ve got to hand it to her — Jodi Picoult has a bewitching way with words. Although the POVs jump around, each chapter is relatively short, making it an easier read. I have a newfound appreciation for apple orchards, and a few new whale facts to add to my small talk arsenal.
Cons: The other reviews sum it up — unlikeable characters, exhausting time jumps, underdeveloped themes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Self harm, and Sexual assault
burstsofrain's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Child abuse, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, and Self harm
Moderate: Sexual content, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
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