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3.6 AVERAGE
3.6 AVERAGE
Parts of the plot were so predictable... but I really appreciate how Waldman wrote the dynamic between mother and daughter. I guess I identified with Olivia to some extent -- feeling like my mother was always at arm's length and eternally disappointed with my life's decisions.
It was an interesting story with flawed characters.
It was an interesting story with flawed characters.
Waldman's style is simple and straight-forward, which lets her riff on a host of themes, ranging from the criminal justice system and mandatory minimums, to motherhood and birth, to the complications of race and class. She also manages to look at these themes using practically all of her characters, who are different enough that they give the reader a well-rounded picture of each issue. Waldman manages to do all that without seeming preachy, either.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Extremely informative story about federal drug trafficing, illegal immigrants and minimum drug sentencing. All that and a very moving story as well. Will pluck at any mother's heartstrings.
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Pregnancy
A solid book about relationships, underpinned by commentary on the drug war and the flow on effect it has had on many people.
I didn't realise this when I started reading but this novel was a perfect companion piece for Johann Hari's :Chasing the Scream" which I read last month.
I really like the way Waldman writes, whatever her subject matter. This book is no exception, although there is a little bit too much explaining how the characters feel, in ways that seem a little too knowing for a third person narrator. The ending quite tidy, possibly a bit too much so, but not over sanitised.
I didn't realise this when I started reading but this novel was a perfect companion piece for Johann Hari's :Chasing the Scream" which I read last month.
I really like the way Waldman writes, whatever her subject matter. This book is no exception, although there is a little bit too much explaining how the characters feel, in ways that seem a little too knowing for a third person narrator. The ending quite tidy, possibly a bit too much so, but not over sanitised.
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I almost gave up on this book, then it sucked me in and I finished it in less than a day. It explores the relationship between mother and daughter from both angles and has you feeling for both women. Combining this with drug charges and a trial had me turning pages while my heart ached for these mothers. I’m glad I decided to keep reading!
I almost gave up on this book, then it sucked me in and I finished it in less than a day. It explores the relationship between mother and daughter from both angles and has you feeling for both women. Combining this with drug charges and a trial had me turning pages while my heart ached for these mothers. I’m glad I decided to keep reading!
It was pretty good. I was left rooting for the characters, and also kind of wanting to punch them at the same time. I felt like the relationship with Arthur was one of the more awkward parts in the book.