The reviewer was excited to read Tessa Hadley’s novel about an ordinary woman, Stella. Told in ten chapters from childhood to middle age, it captures her life and the late 20th century with vivid detail and strong imagery.
The first page introduces Stella’s childhood in the 1950s and her absent father, but the story often reveals future knowledge early, reducing suspense. Each chapter centers on a man influencing her life, and Stella lacks a clear goal, making the narrative feel unfocused.
Although themes like fear, shame, and missed potential are realistic, Stella rarely struggles or grows. Obstacles resolve too easily, and her life seems shaped by chance rather than choice, which weakens drama and emotional impact.
While the book has strengths—sharp descriptions, relatable moments, and an interesting structure—it feels like a series of events rather than a cohesive story. Adding stronger purpose and tension could have made it much more compelling.