A review by princessemily
Small Pleasures by Clare Chambers

emotional mysterious reflective relaxing sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

5.0

Beautiful story that evokes powerful emotion from the start to end. The 1950s setting takes you immediately to that period without forcing a pair of rose tinted glasses on first. The characters are realistic and it’s easy to take to them as though they were old friends of mine. 

I have already recommended this to several friends.

Contrary to everyone’s belief that the ending was unnecessary I thought it further demonstrated the importance of taking the time to enjoy the “small pleasures” of life when you can. I was thankful that there was some ambiguity and we were not forced to witness the reaction of Jean, Gretchen and Margaret when they receive the news. The ending absolutely devastated me and I certainly needed some recovery time to stop crying but given the entire book is rooted in the reality of mundane and empathic life I found the ending to be equally realistic and a better fit than a “happily ever after”.
 
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