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A review by constancelee
When the World Was Young by Elizabeth Gaffney
3.0
This is a well-told story about a tomboy named Wally Baker, growing up in her grandparents’ house in post-World War II Brooklyn. The pacing of the story was perfect and it held my interest well. The characters were enjoyable, though based on the synopsis I expected just a little more from Wally. I don’t know what was lacking for me, to take her from being a good character to a truly memorable one, but my time with her was still well spent. I also expected more intrigue from her “dazzling but unstable” mother, Stella. Mr. Niederman—the tenant Wally and her and her mother take in at the request of Wally’s father who is away at war—and his secret work were of interest to me. I would have preferred more of his presence throughout, but I understand why, because of the plot, it wasn’t possible. Loretta, the grandparents' black maid, and the maid's son, Ham were believable and likeable supporting characters, though the grandparents themselves felt a bit like props. Again, I am not sure what could have made them better. It seemed the author was ticking all the right boxes, but I wasn’t always making an emotional connection.
It’s hard to say much about plot without giving things away but, although the book held my interest until the very end, I did not care much for the resolve of the story. The last quarter of the book felt a little rushed and unrealistic. Wally’s actions didn’t seem to match her emotions or intentions (maybe that was part of her complexity), and she came to terms with different conflicts without much of a struggle. It was all a little too neat and easy for me, though I know a lot of people prefer this type of ending to one with a lot of loose ends.
The entomology parts were a great addition. Interesting, but never overdone or drawn out to the point where one would get bored. I learned a lot about ants! I would have enjoyed more historical facts thrown in as well, but for someone looking to be swept away by the story alone, I think they will find this book a welcome escape.
I received a digital galley from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
It’s hard to say much about plot without giving things away but, although the book held my interest until the very end, I did not care much for the resolve of the story. The last quarter of the book felt a little rushed and unrealistic. Wally’s actions didn’t seem to match her emotions or intentions (maybe that was part of her complexity), and she came to terms with different conflicts without much of a struggle. It was all a little too neat and easy for me, though I know a lot of people prefer this type of ending to one with a lot of loose ends.
The entomology parts were a great addition. Interesting, but never overdone or drawn out to the point where one would get bored. I learned a lot about ants! I would have enjoyed more historical facts thrown in as well, but for someone looking to be swept away by the story alone, I think they will find this book a welcome escape.
I received a digital galley from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.