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agnestyley's review
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 against another edition
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.
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.