nicoleisalwaysreading's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
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? Yes
4.0
Incredible character writing
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Grief
knitterscasket's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
serendipitysbooks's review
emotional
mysterious
slow-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? Yes
4.0
The Woman Next Door is the story of two curmudgeonly, and often outright rude and nasty, elderly women, one Barbadian and one white, who are neighbours in a wealthy South African community. Both Hortensia and Marion have had successful careers and both are widows. Yet despite many similarities the pair despise each other. One day an unfortunate accident leads to one being bed bound and the other temporarily homeless. So the decision is made to share a house for a while. During this period the two learn more about each other, especially the hardships, disappointments and problems they’d kept hidden. Their lives haven’t turned out how they’d expected. They develop compassion and understanding, not only for each other, but also for themselves and others in their lives.
This novel is set in post-apartheid South Africa and it was interesting to see how race played out. The land Hortensia and Marion’s community is built on has been illegally acquired and now former Black residents are seeking recompense or at least some accommodations. While Marion does begin to reckon with some of her racism, I would have loved it if the race issue had been featured more prominently.
A solid read even though it ended up not being exactly what I expected.
This novel is set in post-apartheid South Africa and it was interesting to see how race played out. The land Hortensia and Marion’s community is built on has been illegally acquired and now former Black residents are seeking recompense or at least some accommodations. While Marion does begin to reckon with some of her racism, I would have loved it if the race issue had been featured more prominently.
A solid read even though it ended up not being exactly what I expected.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Infertility, and Racism
chelseakasten's review against another edition
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
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