Scan barcode
A review by katharina90
Olive by Emma Gannon
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
3.5
Enjoyed reading a novel about a female character who's child-free by choice. Also liked that we see a wide spectrum of experiences. Those who:
-don't want kids
-want kids but are struggling with infertility
-have kids and are struggling postpartum or have regrets
-have kids and are thriving
-are estranged from their adult children
-etc.
Didn't love the characters. Each of the four friends was self-involved and either judgmental or inconsiderate of others in the friend group.
A missed opportunity to write about women who meet their friends where they are, with curiosity and an open mind, and a willingness to be supportive even when they don't immediately understand the other person's choices or struggles.
-don't want kids
-want kids but are struggling with infertility
-have kids and are struggling postpartum or have regrets
-have kids and are thriving
-are estranged from their adult children
-etc.
Didn't love the characters. Each of the four friends was self-involved and either judgmental or inconsiderate of others in the friend group.
A missed opportunity to write about women who meet their friends where they are, with curiosity and an open mind, and a willingness to be supportive even when they don't immediately understand the other person's choices or struggles.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infertility, Mental illness, and Pregnancy
Minor: Eating disorder, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, and Abortion