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cherylstj's review
3.0
This book was well-written, and I was able to look past first person, which is usually a hang up for me. I really became invested when the story went back in time to Millicent's childhood and meeting Dennis, then marrying him. I found myself skimming the present-day chapters to get back to the story that I wanted to read. At this point I would have given a 4 star rating, however somewhere past halfway, the character's unfolding past became a bit depressing and difficult to read. I finished though, because I wanted to see what happened in the end, and was glad there was a happy ending for Millicent.
I read books to be entertained and feel good when I've finished, so Millicent's tragic life was a downer. I love an angsty story, but the character's traumatic past went beyond angst to a more disturbing place.
I read books to be entertained and feel good when I've finished, so Millicent's tragic life was a downer. I love an angsty story, but the character's traumatic past went beyond angst to a more disturbing place.
ndbeyer's review against another edition
4.0
Millicent is turning 93 and has had quite the life in a time where women were supposed to be mothers and housewives. Secrets kept in family and how they influenced family members differently. Is keeping secrets healthy for families? This story involves 3 generations of women with a 4th generation awaiting birth. How the women regain their relationship and see how easily misunderstandings can cause hurt and pain.
pamjsa's review
3.0
There are pieces of a really good story here, but I found myself repeatedly annoyed by the structure of this novel. The fact that it takes place over the course of two timelines isn't a problem; however, the way we shift back and forth between them (usually after a repetitive prompt like "I had to tell them my secret") became a huge distraction. I was invested in Millie's story and wanted to know what had happened to her. I didn't buy the "misunderstanding" at the heart of her relationship with her daughter. And I absolutely hated the fact that the big reveal of this novel--the secret that's kept until the very end--belongs to a man, not to Millie. A good editor could have made this a great book.
spowers2627's review
5.0
A tender story of motherhood, love and forgiveness that spans multiple generations. Told through dual timelines, one is present day where Millicent in her nineties navigating her relationship with her daughter and granddaughter. The second timeline starts with Millicent's meeting of her husband and early years of her marriage. Whitaker examines the frustrating historical notion that "good mothers" were expected to be home. And also looks at an era where medical standards led to a tragic event that shaped much of Millicent's life. Powerful and well told.
jove64's review against another edition
5.0
The story of one woman's relationship with her daughter and granddaughter reveals how things have changed for women in America over the past 50 years. Trauma, class mobility, balancing being a wife and mother with doing valuable work in the world outside of that, etc. Postpartum depression, loss, addiction. Love, support, frustration.
danireads1225's review against another edition
5.0
I cannot express how much I loved this book. I absolutely loved the relationship Millicent had with her granddaughter Kelsey. When Millicent’s daughter Jane unexpectedly moved back to twin, it changes the dynamics between the 3 of them. It also makes Millicent realize it’s time for her to share details of her past that even Jane was not aware of. There were two different time periods - when Millicent was growing up, and the current day. It flowed seamlessly and was just an absolutely wonderful book. I loved how strong all of these women were.
jennywjordan's review against another edition
4.0
I was pulled into the multi-generational story of Millie, Jane and Kelsey and particularly appreciated the combination of past and present.
The primary focus is Millicent and her life experiences. She is a stronger reminder of how far women have come and how far we still may need to travel. I love her layers, her flaws, her glows, and even her shame.
Equally layered is Jane, her daughter. However, I had to remind myself that I should extend Jane the grace she should be extending to others. She sees her upbringing in a twisted lens and her actions and reactions are often that of a spoiled selfish child rather than an adult.
What I loved, though, was the story of family and how our positions in families shape our realities. We are formed by those we are related to and those interactions greatly influence our behavior long after they are gone.
Millicent’s last wish is built up to much more than I would have e thought it would be. She has carried with her a terrible tragedy and it’s weight has been so much. However, it wasn’t as shocking as I expected or as shameful as she let it be for her.
The novel for me was drawing in enough to finish and engaging enough to care about the characters
The primary focus is Millicent and her life experiences. She is a stronger reminder of how far women have come and how far we still may need to travel. I love her layers, her flaws, her glows, and even her shame.
Equally layered is Jane, her daughter. However, I had to remind myself that I should extend Jane the grace she should be extending to others. She sees her upbringing in a twisted lens and her actions and reactions are often that of a spoiled selfish child rather than an adult.
What I loved, though, was the story of family and how our positions in families shape our realities. We are formed by those we are related to and those interactions greatly influence our behavior long after they are gone.
Millicent’s last wish is built up to much more than I would have e thought it would be. She has carried with her a terrible tragedy and it’s weight has been so much. However, it wasn’t as shocking as I expected or as shameful as she let it be for her.
The novel for me was drawing in enough to finish and engaging enough to care about the characters
jilljarvis's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I so enjoyed this novel! The story of three generations with real life angst along with deep hurts from their pasts.
As an Ohio girl myself, I enjoyed hearing the extra details about the area in Cincinnati.
As an Ohio girl myself, I enjoyed hearing the extra details about the area in Cincinnati.