Anna Richards (1)

I'm sorry to disagree with the reader below, but I thought this was a great book, and not at all wordy.

An English seaside resort, at the start of World War 2. Jean Clocker is 19, and has had an unpleasant life with a vindictive, uncaring mother. Her self-esteem is non-existent, having been told all her life that she is ugly and good for nothing and seeing that, through being so much taller than most, she is somehow different. Jean grows up tormented by the question "What am I for?"

When she is befriended by beautiful Gloria, Jean starts to see that she may have options other than working herself into the ground to support her ungrateful mother, and she soon finds work as an 'Amazon', clearing bomb sites of debris and putting her size and strength to good use.

Jean's friendship with Gloria carries them both forward, albeit in different directions. Though often foiled in her efforts to lead an "ordinary" life, Jean's life leads her down some extraordinary roads that make very interesting reading.

The character of Jean is very well-drawn and sympathetic. I found myself wondering what would happen to her next as I was at work during the day, unable to start reading again till I got home. I haven't revealed too much about the plot here in case it spoils anyone's enjoyment of the book. I'm no expert, but as a reader I found the author's writing wonderfully descriptive and her humour deliciously biting. Little Gods is a warm-hearted book - it has a touch of vaudeville, some Hollywood glamour and a whole lot of Blitz spirit.… (more)

Too wordy.

I'm going against the grain here (compared with Amazon.co.uk reviewers) because I really didn't enjoy this book. In fact, if I'd not been reviewing it for Amazon I would have abandoned it in the early chapters - something that I rarely do.
My main problem was that it was unnecessarily wordy - whole paragraphs that made little sense or could have had two meanings - which meant that I frequently had to double back to unravel them.
In addition, there were parts of the narrative that just seemed pointless, particularly towards the end.
In its defence, I enjoyed the section where Jean was part of the war effort and where she and her husband met and subsequently made a home for themselves.
And I loved the cover art.

In brief, the story centres around Jean, an unwanted child whose mother lost no opportunity to belittle and humiliate her. Although she was to grow to an abnormal height, her self confidence never grew to match it. Her appearance was always a burden - interesting for her generation (a teenager during WWII), when compared with the pressure to be beautiful and conform in today's society.
Prevented from having friends by her mother, she secretly enjoys the friendship of Gloria, who she meets at school. This is to prove both the making of her and her undoing.
The book follows Jean's life from childhood through marriage and beyond, over hurdles and life's tests.

Obviously other readers have enjoyed this and I'm in a minority, but it's not a book I will be recommending.

Finally, my favourite quote:
"They stood at the edge of the ocean with their arms wrapped around each other, squinting at the sun that danced on the water behind them, their half-smiles making a perfectly symmetrical whole" Pg 302… (more)