Reviews

The L-Shaped Room by Lynne Reid Banks

agnestyley's review against another edition

emotional hopeful sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

struggling to rate this one. on the one hand, very interesting account of unmarried pregnancy in the very socially oppressive/ misogynistic late 1950s, whilst remaining a hopeful and uplifting tale of making the best of your lot. on the other hand, SO deeply racist and antisemitic. and for... why??? I guess it's a time capsule into that era when everything that was said would've been completely normalised. did definitely prevent it from being an actively enjoyable (if still speedy) read though.

hattiereadssomanybooks_x's review against another edition

dark hopeful mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

kirsty's review against another edition

5.0

Really enjoyed this book. I was hooked from the start by the narrator, Jane, who has a compelling voice. Some of the interest for me is in how much times have changed. Jane is unmarried and pregnant and experiences huge amounts of prejudice as a result, which is hard to imagine now (thankfully). This could be a depressing book, but actually is mostly about the unexpected kindness of the people she meets and therefore isn't.

It is a first person narrative and there are some unpleasant remarks on race and sexuality. I think these reflect the times (it was published in the 60s) and are the character's views, not the author's. As the book progresses, Jane is forced to change her views because of the people she meets and the kindness she is shown.

fates_fables_golem's review against another edition

challenging emotional informative reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

daisyiimae's review against another edition

hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

helenhawken's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful reflective fast-paced

• 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

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Racism, Homophobia, and Antisemitism

theimportanceofbooks's review against another edition

1.0

Unbearable protagonist who is judgmental, despite being judged herself, snobby, and all around unlikable.

julieffisher's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional inspiring reflective sad slow-paced

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

4.0

milly_in_the_library's review

5.0

I loved revising this book! It's like reading historical fiction as it seems so old fashioned! Some lovely passages 😊

cakesaretasty3's review against another edition

4.0

It's impossible to avoid mentioning the continuous racism throughout this book. Yes, it was written in 1960, but in my opinion that's no excuse. The characterisation and descriptions of John made my skin crawl.

It's a shame, because had this not been the case, this probably would have been an all-time favourite of mine. I loved the writing style, the plot, the way Jane's character developed (and secondary characters), and that this story of unmarried motherhood was so boldly told in a time of stigma.