Reviews

Looking For Jane by Heather Marshall

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the_escape_artist_'s review against another edition

2.0

Spoiler

This book was a massive disappointment. First off, I have issues with the writing style. This book is the best example of tell not show. So often there would be some lovely imagery followed by a line that explicitly explained the imagery to the reader. Give us some credit, let us have our own thoughts as readers. Additionally, there were factual errors in the pregnancy and fertility treatment stuff and that took me right out of the story.

There was also too much going on. Having Maggie and Evelyn both have these tragic twisty stories was confusing and unnecessary. It honestly felt like the writer had two story lines in mind, couldn’t decide which one was better, so included them both. She really needed a stronger editor.

Furthermore, every abortion story was dramatic, this was a mistake. If you want to tell a story about how abortion is necessary, show the women who are in very normal scenarios. The women that could be any of us.

I would have given this book a 3.5 or 4 except for that ending! The story had merits, and despite my issues it was still and interesting story. But the ending!! Wtf. The stabbing, the identity change, the obit. Why?!? No one was ever looking for her! Also, no, it is not in fact that easy to assume an identity, particularly not if you’re going to have a job that requires a professional license. Maybe if you never wanted a passport or to attend university okay, but not in the case of someone like Evelyn/Maggie. This twist was lazy, unnecessary, and honestly ruined the book.

This book needed a better editor, it read like a self published novel, which was a disappointment since the story was interesting and the topic is important.

chelshudsonreads's review against another edition

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challenging emotional informative inspiring reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

bratface80's review against another edition

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emotional informative sad tense 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? It's complicated

4.0

lpitlyk's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful mysterious reflective 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? Yes

5.0

Content Warnings

mackenzie72's review against another edition

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5.0

Audiobook listen

dunnadam's review against another edition

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1.0

Too much.
Minor spoilers to 25%.
This book, Looking for Jane. I think I'm done. The unwed pregnant girl isn't cheap in the story as she was engaged and the fiance died. How did he die in 1968 Toronto? Never says. Let's say malnutrition.
Then the church has to keep her the second she starts to show, so for like 6 months, so they charge the couple money. The girl is like "they are selling my baby!!!" About 100 times.
Then when it's her turn to give up the baby she says she doesn't want to and the nun back-hands her across the face. So realistic.
I read this as I want to know the story. I'm sure these girls had it hard enough without ratcheting the drama up to 11. I swear the nun twirled her moustache like Snidley Whiplash.