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booksamongstfriends's reviews
738 reviews
Grown Women: A Novel by Sarai Johnson
4.0
I was pleasantly surprised by Grown Women. Generational tales can be hit-or-miss for me since they’re often more character-driven than plot-heavy, but this one completely drew me in. I found it easy to empathize with the women in this story—Evelyn, Charlotte, Corinna, and Camille—and felt like each of them represented parts of ourselves. Whether through motherhood, family relationships, or the complex journey of self-discovery and womanhood, these characters felt both relatable and real.
The book follows each woman as she tries to pave a better path for the next generation, showing how even the best made plans don’t always lead to perfect outcomes. It’s a reminder that mistakes and setbacks can still set us on a path toward becoming our best selves. This book does address heavy topics like addiction and abuse, so certain sections feel weighty, but these moments only add to the depth of each character.
Corinna, especially, stood out to me. Her struggle with addiction and her efforts to find her own way as a parent reflect the complexities of motherhood. There’s a striking contrast between Karina and her mother, Charlotte, showing how even well-intentioned lessons can leave imprints that shape and sometimes challenge future generations. I also loved how the book explores what it means to be a "grown woman"—what it means to be a daughter, a mother, and part of a family of resilient yet wounded women.
Many parts of this story felt deeply intimate, especially in moments that reminded me of my own family conversations about life, love, and the struggles of womanhood. The narrative captures that trickle-down effect of lessons passed through generations, and by the end, you see the fruition of Evelyn, Charlotte, and Corinna’s work and sacrifice as they strive to strengthen their family bond and community for Camille. While some recent books about motherhood haven’t always resonated with me, this one offered layers of reflection and insight. I’d definitely recommend it.
The book follows each woman as she tries to pave a better path for the next generation, showing how even the best made plans don’t always lead to perfect outcomes. It’s a reminder that mistakes and setbacks can still set us on a path toward becoming our best selves. This book does address heavy topics like addiction and abuse, so certain sections feel weighty, but these moments only add to the depth of each character.
Corinna, especially, stood out to me. Her struggle with addiction and her efforts to find her own way as a parent reflect the complexities of motherhood. There’s a striking contrast between Karina and her mother, Charlotte, showing how even well-intentioned lessons can leave imprints that shape and sometimes challenge future generations. I also loved how the book explores what it means to be a "grown woman"—what it means to be a daughter, a mother, and part of a family of resilient yet wounded women.
Many parts of this story felt deeply intimate, especially in moments that reminded me of my own family conversations about life, love, and the struggles of womanhood. The narrative captures that trickle-down effect of lessons passed through generations, and by the end, you see the fruition of Evelyn, Charlotte, and Corinna’s work and sacrifice as they strive to strengthen their family bond and community for Camille. While some recent books about motherhood haven’t always resonated with me, this one offered layers of reflection and insight. I’d definitely recommend it.