A review by christinereichard
Small Pleasures, by Clare Chambers

lighthearted mysterious reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

A message I can always greet with open arms: Find the small pleasures in life, and recognize that little joys are often just as rewarding as big joys. Slow-paced, but the mystery of the virgin birth was a great draw. 

I know a lot of people hated the ending, but I think it only drives the message home.
Spoiler Yes, the ending with Howard was shocking and sudden. But my takeaway was that the spontaneity of life is everpresent and we should enjoy what we have while we can. 

I would've restructured it though. I wouldn't have mentioned the train crash at the beginning of the book, and instead placed it right after the final chapter. That way, the "enjoy what you have while you can" message would still be there (sorry), but the date would be re-emphasized to show readers that Jean's article was pushed off the paper's front page. Double whammy.
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