A review by exlibrisabigaillee
The Wilderwomen by Ruth Emmie Lang

lighthearted mysterious

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

It wasn't terrible, but it didn't stick with me in any way. It's a very character-driven story, but the character arcs (and subsequent plot) were very predictable and a bit bland. I related to Zadie, which helped; I think that anyone in a difficult family situation would relate to someone in this story, and it's nice to see yourself reflected, even if it's not pretty. Overall, predictable and average, but enjoyable all the same. It's easy to just get lost in and a quick read.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Grief and Abandonment

Moderate: Pregnancy

Minor: Alcohol

Zadie and Finn are abandoned by their mother and they don't know why. The book centers around their quest to find her and the ways that they each process the grief of her absence. Pregnancy:

Zadie is revealed to be pregnant toward the beginning of the book and references it frequently throughout. She talks about its size (referring to it as "the ladybug") and her fears surrounding becoming a mother

Alcohol:

Zadie and her ex-boyfriend have a few beers and a little whisky and share a tipsy kiss. Neither is entirely intoxicated, but the drinks are mentioned.