Quote

Be omnivorous, don't just read one kind of book, read everything. - Richard Wagamese

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Review: Sima's Undergarments for Women by Ilana Stanger-Ross




Publisher: Penguin 
Pages: 320 
Source: Publisher 



For three decades Sima has owned and worked in her 'intimates' shop. In her tiny basement she has served many women through their life milestones. In her tight-knit community Sima's bra shop is the center of town gossip. When a young Israeli named Timna comes into her shop, Sima's life begins to change. becomes the new seamstress and Sima's begins to love her like her own. A childless Sima becomes to love and care for Timna, worrying about her decisions in life and wanting the very best for her. At the heart of the story is Sima's inability to have children. A younger Sima seemed to have it all, a thriving bra shop and a solid marriage. However, Sima's marriage was threatened when she was unable to conceive. After many months of hope, Sima began to worry that she would never become pregnant. She would never have what she wanted most. After many painful examinations, a fertility specialist confirmed her worst fears. Now at the age of sixty-five Sima's marriage is unfulfilled. Her husband, Lev is retired, and caught-up with his own everyday tasks. Sima and Lev are barely interested in each others lives. 
 

I really expected much more from this book. I felt let down, and I like to think it was because I had very high expectations. I really didn't have any interest in any characters. I kept reading because I wanted to know more about Sima's infertility issues, but I just couldn't get into this story. Sima's motherlike relationship with Timna felt very unnatural to me. I felt like Sima was meddlesome, obsessive and creepy. It felt very forced. Timna felt lifeless, and I really didn't enjoy her character. I honestly didn't like any of the characters, I didn't feel absorbed with any of them. It was very hard for me to finish this one. I really hoped to love this one, but it fell short.

10 comments:

  1. This sounds like it would be an interesting book, sorry it didn't turn out that way. Thanks for the review, I probable would have read this one, now I think I will pass.

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  2. Oh, I am sorry to hear this! I bought this book not too long ago, and have been really curious about starting it. It sounds like it was a huge letdown and that makes me a little worried. I will have to get to it and let you know what I think when I am done. Thanks for your candor.

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  3. I've seen similar thoughts from other reviewers. That's too bad. Hey, you didn't leave your email address in your comment on The Faerie Ring, did you want to be entered in the giveaway?

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  4. It's always hard for me to get through a book when I can't connect to any of the characters. Sounds like none of these characters worked all that well, so I'll be passing on this one I think! Thanks for the review:)

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  5. Oh I was so excited for your review of this book because it's the type of book I normally like but the characters make or break it for me too. Too bad this one didn't work for you!

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  6. It's always disappointing when a book doesn't rise to my expectations. Sorry that was the case for you with this book. I've heard of it but haven't read it. I hope your next read is much more satisfying.

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  7. I'm sorry this didn't work for you. I read it a few years ago and liked it a lot.

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  8. I do have that feeling too, sometimes I wish so hard and then i feel really let down...or perhaps they are just bad

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  9. Aww, it's too bad you didn't like this one! :( I tend to set myself up too high for some books too, and it always sucks when you're disappointed. But you're definitely right that it's so much harder to enjoy a book when you don't care for any of the characters.

    Thanks so much for the honest review, Mrs. Q! Hopefully the next book you read can WOW you enough to make up for this one! :)

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  10. That's too bad that this book was such a let down because it sounds really interesting. I love the backdrop of an intimates shop!

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