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kteq's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship
madeyemoody's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Death, Emotional abuse, Grief, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Abortion, Alcohol, Car accident, Gore, Kidnapping, Pedophilia, Pregnancy, Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Death of parent, Body horror, Child death, and Gaslighting
serendipitysbooks's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Amy and Isabelle is Elizabeth Strout’s debut novel. Set in a small Maine town it tells of the relationship between Isabelle and her teenage daughter Amy. Their already somewhat distant relationship is really challenged when Isabelle learns of Amy’s relationship with her math teacher. Isabelle’s reaction is influenced by secrets from her own past which we learn about as the novel unfolds.
One of the novel’s strengths was the portrayal of Amy’s discovery of the power of her sexuality and the subtle factors that led to her falling prey to a predatory teacher. The small town dynamics felt spot on and I liked the supportive relationship that later developed between Amy and Isabelle and some of her workmates. The mother-daughter relationship was handled in such a nuanced way - the love and the frustration, Isabelle’s desire to protect bumping up against Amy’s desire for freedom, the parallels between their lives. I could see similarities between Isabelle and Strout’s later and better known literary ladies - Olive Kitteridge and Lucy Barton, particularly their vulnerability. Overall I enjoyed this book, although the fat-phobic depiction and name of one of the lesser characters left a sour taste.
One of the novel’s strengths was the portrayal of Amy’s discovery of the power of her sexuality and the subtle factors that led to her falling prey to a predatory teacher. The small town dynamics felt spot on and I liked the supportive relationship that later developed between Amy and Isabelle and some of her workmates. The mother-daughter relationship was handled in such a nuanced way - the love and the frustration, Isabelle’s desire to protect bumping up against Amy’s desire for freedom, the parallels between their lives. I could see similarities between Isabelle and Strout’s later and better known literary ladies - Olive Kitteridge and Lucy Barton, particularly their vulnerability. Overall I enjoyed this book, although the fat-phobic depiction and name of one of the lesser characters left a sour taste.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship
skmatson10's review
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-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
5.0
Elizabeth Strout is one of my favorite authors so I knew I would love this book. As per her normal style she takes such time and care with describing and developing her characters and scenes. I love this slow-paced nature especially seeing it unfold with the relationship between the mother and daughter, Amy and Isabelle. The complete normalcy and detailed realism of their lives really captivated me and made me so invested and moved by the characters’ story and their development while their lives tangled and untangle.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship
c430's review
dark
inspiring
reflective
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 really enjoyed the writing of this book. It has such lavish descriptions when needed but is still able to get the story across without going overboard. The inner turmoil of the characters are so interesting to watch unfold before your eyes, even side characters feel so realistic and complex. Amy and Isabelle's relationship is heartwrenching and layered and beautiful. There are scenes between the two that I know I will be thinking about for a long while after i put this book back on the shelf.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship and Sexual content
Moderate: Child death and Death
Minor: Abortion, Alcoholism, Kidnapping, and Infidelity
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