Book review: Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo

 Well hello to you my reader chums! I've seen this book hyped all over Instagram and heard raving reviews that I couldn't wait to read it - and the book didn't fail to disappoint. I loved every single word of this book, especially how the chapters and characters developed throughout.

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Here is my full review of Girl, Woman, Other.

Book review: Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo

Plotline

The plotline isn't one distinct story, it's broken up into many different narratives that somehow intertwine into one. It tells the story of Britain, how you've never read it before or heard it been told before. The book tells a tale from the top of the country to the bottom, across a century of change, and follows twelve individuals on their journey of discovery. It's a book about the future and the past, and an overall tale of history, and growth for women in society.

Characters and relationships

This book warmed my heart in so many ways and opened my eyes in a lot of ways also. I was able to learn about 12 unique and wonderful women, and how although they led completely different lives, they all had the same strength, the same drive, and headspace for growth.

I loved each character for many reasons: Amma, Yazz, Dominique, Carole, Bummi, LaTisha, Shirley, Winsome, Penelope, Megan/Morgan, Hattie, and Grace. Each chapter is set in a different decade to the next and when I read it, I was able to grasp what went on in that decade from the lack of rights for women and other minority groups to how the patriarchy was - and still is.

It's hard to pinpoint who my favourite characters were as I love them all dearly but Amma, Yazz, Carole and Hattie definitely were the characters I connected the most with. Amma and Yazz both had this fiery and sassy energy which I admired a lot, Carole had that geekiness to her which I could relate to and Hattie had so much wisdom to learn from her 94 years. 

Overall thoughts 

Overall, I loved every word of this whole book. It's liberating, triumphant, powerful and truly shows the strength of minority groups in society. Us as women have struggled all through the centuries for an abundance of reasons and this book highlights that - but it also shows the strength of our gender and how we can overcome anything.

I particularly loved the flow of this book and how each of the woman's stories was paced out, describing the course of their lives and how they got to where they are today. I also liked how each chapter panned out, I learnt that the previous woman had a connection with the new woman's story, and exactly how they interlinked into each other's life. It truly shows the powerfulness of the women we all have around us, even if they are long-lost relatives.

Ending

I won't lie, I cried at the ending. The last chapter brings together all the characters, a few in the same location and others in a narrative perspective. It's incredibly beautiful and humbling to read but also very emotional. I won't reveal the ending, but what I will say, everything came together just how it should and I got overly emotional after forming an attachment to each and every one of the characters.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Have you read this book?

Thank you for reading <3

40 comments

  1. I did enjoy reading this book at the beginning of the year, such a good read and I loved that it was split into different perspectives! x

    Lucy | www.lucymary.co.uk

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  2. I've never heard of this book but it sounds like a unique, interesting book! I may have to buy it in the New Year and give it a read myself :)

    Coralle x
    https://justcoralle.com

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  3. I haven’t heard of this book or author before. I always like to see what others are reading for some suggestions. Next year I want to make a conscious effort to read the books I have at home. Thank you for sharing a detailed review.

    Lauren

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  4. I prefer a book that is narrated by different characters to show different perspectives! I need to get back into reading in 2021! Adding this one to my list!

    Rosie

    https://www.loverosiee.co.uk

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  5. I recently saw this book on Hannah Witton's best books of 2020 YouTube video and it went straight on my TBR list so great to see you loved it as well x

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  6. Will have to add this in my TBR! I have been hearing many great reviews about it but never read it. Will be a good add for 2021 xx

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  7. Title sounds unusual! And I like the cover!


    xx
    http://anna-alina.blogspot.com/

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  8. I love books about strong women, and this book really sounds like something I'd like to read. Thanks for sharing your great review!

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  9. So glad to hear you enjoyed it, what a glowing review! Definitely a powerful book that's getting a lot of love :)

    Anika | chaptersofmay.com

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  10. This sounds like a great book! I'm so glad you enjoyed it :)

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  11. I have never seen this book as yet but wow it sure sounds very interesting and emotional too. I will have to pick it up and have a read.

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  12. Sounds like an amazing book. Definitely going to read this one.
    Thank you for the great review.

    Adriana

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  13. I love your review! You just seem like you really have a passion for reading and that book and you were a perfect match. I'm not much of a reader but I'd like to read it.

    www.lifebeginsattwenty.com

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  14. I haven't heard of this book but wow, what a fabulous review. You can tell how much you loved this, and I think it's the sort of story I'd enjoy too - just in time for Christmas as well, thank you!

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  15. This book sounds really intriguing - I love how there are so many different characters! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

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  16. This sounds like such a great book. I love how indepth your review is without giving too much away. I'd be interested to read how the 12 characters intertwine with each other.

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  17. This book sounds amazing, it seems like it's written in a very interesting and unique way, I love books like that!

    Corinne x
    www.skinnedcartree.com

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  18. I've been considering reading this for a while and your review has convinced me. Loved your breakdown of the plot, characters and ending. The interwoven storylines sound super interesting!

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  19. I've not heard of this book before, but it sounds like such an amazing read. The storylines intertwining sounds so interesting xx

    Hannah | https://luxuryblush.co.uk/

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  20. I've seen this book all over social media too and to be honest, I don't think I've ever looked it up to find out what it was about. But it sounds absolutely incredible, I love that it's about the 12 women. It all coming together at the end sounds really interesting too x

    Sophie
    www.glowsteady.co.uk

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  21. Thank you so much for sharing this book review. It sounds very interesting. I created a Youtube channel and it would mean a lot to me if you subscribe. Thank you!

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