A review by epellicci
Small Pleasures, by Clare Chambers
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I found Small Pleasures - set in and around 1950's London - to be a slow paced, tension building book. It took me until a little over 50% of the way through to feel truly invested in the story, and even then I struggled to feel attached to the characters. I was really disappointed by the ending, and found it jarringly disconnected from the rest of the story - defeating the point of the much of the drama and previous events of the book. But then I suppose that was somewhat the point. The theme of fragility, the at times hopelessness of the human condition, and darkness was present throughout - the lightness of family life and romance far more fleeting. In the end, I found Small Pleasures somewhat lackluster but appreciated the examination of human nature all the same.
Spoiler
Jean was pitifully transparent, and I found her resentment towards various other characters annoying and undignified. I also thought that the focus on Gretchen was surprisingly slim. As the initiator of the case I was expecting her to be far more central in the writing - however I did enjoy the way that Chambers revealed her history via Jean's investigation.Moderate: Rape, Abortion, and Miscarriage
Minor: Misogyny, Lesbophobia, and Infidelity