Comments on: Review: Slammerkin, Emma Donoghue

By: Meow

Meow — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 03:26:36 +0000

This book effected me so much, mary saunders i think is the most unfortunate heroine that i’ve ever red.

By: Meghan

Meghan — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:26:17 +0000

That’s pretty much what I was trying to get across; it’s very depressing and sad but it is IMO a very accurate picture of what a poor 18th century girl would have had to deal with. I guess I didn’t do a very good job!

By: Christine

Christine — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:20:10 +0000

This has been a favourite book of mine for close to 8 years now! It saddens me to see you call it negative. I can appreciate why you might find it a tough read; however, for anyone with an interest in 18th century history, this is a wonderful read of the time. Corruption, poverty, and sexuality was rampant in the 18th C and Donoghue portrays this often immoral world wonderfully. Yes, Mary’s life is a hard one, and a tragic one, but in a time where you often had no choice but to become part of this corrupt world in order to survive, I feel much sympathy for the young girl. I recommend this read to anyone!

By: heidenkind

heidenkind — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 18:39:06 +0000

Hmm. I like the concept, but the fact that it’s sooo negative really puts me off. I’d rather have something with a more uplifting storyline. Sure, it may be based on an actual historical figure; but I bet that maid had a life that wasn’t this bad.

By: Amanda

Amanda — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:54:31 +0000

SPOILERS –for anyone reading this

This is perhaps the only book I didn’t finish, even though I only had 50 pages left. I was just so disgusted with her. It was after I thought she was shaping up to be a good character…and then she started to slip up bad. So I did something I never do. I looked at the last few pages…and realized she was never going to change. So with 50 pages left I discarded the book. Sigh.

By: zibilee

zibilee — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:21:28 +0000

Sorry that this book was not a hands-down winner for you. I read it several years ago and really thought it had a great historical atmosphere. I do agree that it was rather depressing, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

By: Literary Feline

Literary Feline — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 17:09:11 +0000

I remember hearing about this book quite a while ago and thinking I wanted to read it. Then I promptly forgot about it. You’ve reminded me about it with your review. It does sound like a difficult book but definitely one worth reading. Thanks for your great review, Meghan!

By: Beth F

Beth F — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 12:14:38 +0000

Your review has me thinking. I’ll have to take a look at this when I’m at the library, but I’m not sure it will be my first choice.

By: Memory

Memory — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 19:46:11 +0000

I have a strange relationship with this book. I agree with everything you’ve said, but I’ve read it twice and will probably read it a third time. It’s a difficult book to like, but there’s something about it that just won’t let me leave it alone.

By: Marie

Marie — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 15:28:21 +0000

sounds like a tough read and I appreciate your review.