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A review by lindsiemcknight
Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-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
Wow. I really don't know what else to say but wow. I have never wanted to highlight a fiction book before but this one made me want to grab a physical copy so I could do that!
As a mom who struggled a lot mentally, emotionally, and physically and have decided to be one and done because of that struggle, I really related to a lot of this book. There's so much that happens when you have a baby and it's hard to truly and properly prepare.
I've always felt alone in my struggle because I think society and our culture wants moms to be happy and to have it together because "it's such a joy!" but honestly, 90% of the time, it's not.
I do feel like my generation (millennials) have better dads though, so I didn't really relate to the deadbeat, no help dad plotline. In fact, it really infuriated me. I understand the point the author was trying to make with that plotline, that women do the majority of the physical and mental labor when it comes to child rearing, but I think that could have still been shown and maybe have even been more powerful if the dad had been helpful. I have a super helpful husband, who probably does 60%+ of the work and I still had a LOT of the same feelings as the main character. Having a baby changes something chemically in your brain and you're truly just a different person after it happens!
Some of my favorite sections:
As a mom who struggled a lot mentally, emotionally, and physically and have decided to be one and done because of that struggle, I really related to a lot of this book. There's so much that happens when you have a baby and it's hard to truly and properly prepare.
I've always felt alone in my struggle because I think society and our culture wants moms to be happy and to have it together because "it's such a joy!" but honestly, 90% of the time, it's not.
I do feel like my generation (millennials) have better dads though, so I didn't really relate to the deadbeat, no help dad plotline. In fact, it really infuriated me. I understand the point the author was trying to make with that plotline, that women do the majority of the physical and mental labor when it comes to child rearing, but I think that could have still been shown and maybe have even been more powerful if the dad had been helpful. I have a super helpful husband, who probably does 60%+ of the work and I still had a LOT of the same feelings as the main character. Having a baby changes something chemically in your brain and you're truly just a different person after it happens!
Some of my favorite sections:
"And you know, men, men, men nod solemnly at that Blade Runner speech-tears in rain and fires on Orion- and they feel themselves part of a noble endeavour, believe they've experienced something epic right there with a beer on the couch. Here's my ennobling truth, Sailor: women risk death to give life to their babies. They endure excruciating pain, their inner parts torn, then they pick themselves up no matter what state they are in, no matter how much blood they've lost, and they tend to their infants. Your fires on Orion and your Luke, I am your father. Tell me, men: When were you last split open from the inside?"
"I would have loved a little sister for you. Bet you didn't know that, Sailor. She had a name and all. I almost cried thinking of her last night.
But I didn't cry. I fell asleep.
And nobody woke me bawling during the night. So I was better able to love the child I did have when I woke up feeling human this morning."