readingwithkelsey's review against another edition
3.0
This was an interesting collection of short stories that examined the everyday struggles and wins of women's lives in the Bahamas and in Canada. Like with the majority of my experiences with short story collections, there were some within this novel that pulled me in and others that did not. It was also difficult for me to find the connections between the stories, so a lot of it felt separated to me. Mather has a very beautiful writing style, so this collection definitely made me more interested in reading full length novels from her.
lucaisapenguin's review
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
aftin148's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
axelle's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
2treads's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
From the very first story, I knew Mather was going to delve into experiences and situations that would be all too familiar to this island girl. Community structure and strictures, familial disdain, dysfunction and lack of consideration, unknown avenues of support, and the struggle for better.
As I moved through each story, there was a haunting left behind by the character, their family, and their situation. Girls and women anchor each tale and the ways in which Mather details their identity and heart leaves a lingering feeling to return once more, just to once more connect with narratives that are all too real.
As I moved through each story, there was a haunting left behind by the character, their family, and their situation. Girls and women anchor each tale and the ways in which Mather details their identity and heart leaves a lingering feeling to return once more, just to once more connect with narratives that are all too real.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Kidnapping, Adult/minor relationship, Cancer, Classism, and Infidelity
bahareads's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.5
4.5 stars - I would like to preface this review by saying I am a Bahamian so this is an #OwnVoice review.
I am not a big short story collection fan because they tend to be a mixed bag for me. However, Mather did not disappoint. There was not one story in this collection that didn't hit me in a powerful way. These stories may seem just like that - stories, but they speak to the very real and lived experiences of many Bahamian (and Caribbean) women. I have read Mather's other works and this has been by far my favourite of hers. I can see her growth as an author in this collection. This collection was marketed as an "adult" novel, but I found it still be more YA in nature and with the age of the characters.
The book was split into four sections - the stories having similar themes - and my favourite section was A Bond Unseen. All of those stories hit in a way that's hard to explain. There wasn’t a story in this book that I thought didn’t belong. I love seeing my dialect, my culture, and places familiar to me in the pages of a book. It speaks to my literary soul to see my dialect on the pages of a book (I actually would have liked to see even more). I wish Mather had transferred the dialect into the character's thoughts as well. Some of the stories - like Princess - reminded me of ones my aunties have told me about their youth or - like Mango Summer - reminded me of the Marco Archer case. Mather captures Bahamians in The Bahamas and those who immigrate to Canada in a way that makes them come to life. The everyday challenges of life were captured perfectly well. These stories are will stick with you.
I am not a big short story collection fan because they tend to be a mixed bag for me. However, Mather did not disappoint. There was not one story in this collection that didn't hit me in a powerful way. These stories may seem just like that - stories, but they speak to the very real and lived experiences of many Bahamian (and Caribbean) women. I have read Mather's other works and this has been by far my favourite of hers. I can see her growth as an author in this collection. This collection was marketed as an "adult" novel, but I found it still be more YA in nature and with the age of the characters.
The book was split into four sections - the stories having similar themes - and my favourite section was A Bond Unseen. All of those stories hit in a way that's hard to explain. There wasn’t a story in this book that I thought didn’t belong. I love seeing my dialect, my culture, and places familiar to me in the pages of a book. It speaks to my literary soul to see my dialect on the pages of a book (I actually would have liked to see even more). I wish Mather had transferred the dialect into the character's thoughts as well. Some of the stories - like Princess - reminded me of ones my aunties have told me about their youth or - like Mango Summer - reminded me of the Marco Archer case. Mather captures Bahamians in The Bahamas and those who immigrate to Canada in a way that makes them come to life. The everyday challenges of life were captured perfectly well. These stories are will stick with you.
grandbarda's review
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
4.5
This collection of stories is top-notch. So many standout winners, it's difficult to pick a favorite.
Filled with yearning, and tension, the stories cannot but entrance the reader. I wouldn't be surprised to see this book as a contender during the award circuit in the fall.
A breathe of fresh Bahamas air.
Filled with yearning, and tension, the stories cannot but entrance the reader. I wouldn't be surprised to see this book as a contender during the award circuit in the fall.
A breathe of fresh Bahamas air.