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frogglin's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The last time I read this I was probably about 20, and Evelyn's struggles with being in her 40s seemed a long way off. I definitely related more this time around as I'm about her age.
The jumping timeline can be confusing at times, but overall the past and "present" (late 1980s when the book was written) are clearly defined. The stark contrast of a nursing home compared to the warm community of Whistle Stop works well, and the sprawling cast of characters each bring their own flavour to the story.
It's a story that swings between gentle moments of community and tenderness and heart breaking horrors of racism and violence.
It's a shame the movie toned down the deep relationship between Idgie and Ruth, which is simply a marriage that never causes an issue or problem in the town.
The jumping timeline can be confusing at times, but overall the past and "present" (late 1980s when the book was written) are clearly defined. The stark contrast of a nursing home compared to the warm community of Whistle Stop works well, and the sprawling cast of characters each bring their own flavour to the story.
It's a story that swings between gentle moments of community and tenderness and heart breaking horrors of racism and violence.
It's a shame the movie toned down the deep relationship between Idgie and Ruth, which is simply a marriage that never causes an issue or problem in the town.
Graphic: Racism and Racial slurs
Moderate: Death and Domestic abuse
Minor: Terminal illness, Murder, Alcoholism, Child death, Grief, and Violence
ilonaiva's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.25
copper__clouds's review against another edition
Racist treatment of black characters, and trivialisation of the true violence + impact of the KKK.
Graphic: Racism
malsbookmark's review against another edition
Started a re-read, but bad timing. Will come back.
nastygerbil's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
marisatn's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Yikes. Sometimes a favorite book should stay in the past as a treasured memory. I LOOOVED this book in the 90’s and 2000’s. One of my favorites. Just re-read it and wow. It’s so problematic! Racist, colorist, very one dimensional non-white characters….I don’t know how I missed all this as a late teen/ early 20-something, but I surely did. I guess it’s good to know I’ve come a long way in the last 20+ years? Really regretting choosing this one for book club, but it will lend itself to some interesting conversations, I hope.
rosanna17's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I loved the book. It was a nice escape to (what I feel) every type of living everyone wishes to have. Simple and surrounded by love and kindness. Definitely recommend if you are looking for a getaway to a small town.
I can't wait to watch the movie again since it has been years.
I can't wait to watch the movie again since it has been years.
ntruslow's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
lib_23's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
chirpy_frog345's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0