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There are currently 24 member reviews
for Margot
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Terrie J. (Eagan, MN)
A book to inspire
This was a delightful book about the growth from a girl to a woman (child through college). The formative years took place in the 60s in an era when appearance was important and intelligent girls weren't as well regarded as pretty ones. The main character is a smart strong girl/woman who grows despite a lack of mother support. She builds her own small network of trusted friends. The struggles she faces are those than many of us can relate to during our personal growth. The story isn't always a happy one, but there are successes. I would recommend this book to book groups. It should provide an active discussion.
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Colleen A. (Rome, GA)
Margot
I was interested in this book because it was set in the same time frame that my life shared. Margot was a captivating character who tried to chart her own independent course despite what her mother thought she should do. Her interest in science seemed to be her passion and I wished she could have followed that path. Scientific research, at that time, was only beginning to include women. Margot could have used good therapist to help her see her worth and worthiness!
I wish the author would have explained the scientific information in more understandable terms. Even with a science background, I had difficulty. I think readers of "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" would enjoy this book.
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Chris
Margot
I found Margot interesting because I grew up during the same time period as she did, although my life experiences were very different from hers. It was interesting to see how the events that shaped my life affected her. I enjoyed the book and think it would be a good book club read, especially for people of a similar age to see how their memories of that time period would compare.
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Veronica E. (Chesterton, IN)
Can't Always Get What You Want...
MARGOT...very interesting story. I am surprised Margot made it anywhere with the mother and father that raised her. Highly intelligent, Margot worked hard to get into Radcliffe College in the late 1960s, Margot makes it. However, there are lots of trials and tribulations along the way.
Getting into college you would hope that Margot would enjoy the freedom and the 1960s "revolution," however, Margot's life takes a different direction. You find yourself happy, angry, frustrated while reading the pages of this story. I will definitely recommend this book as I like to hear the comments of others.
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Arlene I. (Johnston, RI)
Oh Margo…
Margot by Wendell Stevenson is the story of a dysfunctional family at the closing of WW II. The characters are flawed but are relatable and real for the depicted era. ( Very relatable to me since I was born post WW II.) At the beginning of the story, Margot was a bold, daring and an inquisitive child. Her mother's criticism of everything she does, turns her into a fearful, self-doubting insecure child and adult. Her mother has a profound effect on the adult Margot. Even though her mom's marriage is a disaster, she wants Margo to "marry well." This mantra continues through out the story from childhood to adulthood. Margo, she wants to be a scientist and go to Radcliffe. Margo's self-doubt makes it difficult for her to plan, let alone attain life goals. She rather hide in a lab and be almost unremarkable; follow the crowd rather than lead it and make poor choices in both man and decisions. Margo's friends follow her from childhood into adulthood through the story. Although I saw some changes in Margo's character as the story progressed, I thought she grew very little. This did not take away from the story line at all. The other characters seem to develop more. Characterization: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
The plot was easy to follow.The depiction of the era was definitely right. The distinction of class being defined primarily on economics is truly realistic.References to "having money" versus "the help" are integrated in the novel from beginning to the end. This was a typical coming of age story and was easy reading from the first chapter to the last. I felt the very last sentence in the story was not necessary..the reader had already figured out Margot's dilemma. I"m thinking Margot Book 2 is coming. Plot: 4 out of 5 stars.
The writing was well done. Maybe because it was "my era" but I felt I was back living some of my younger moments. I would definitely read a continuation of Margot"s story.
Writing: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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Barbara C. (Fountain Hills, AZ)
What Are We Going To Do About Margot?
This coming-of-age story of introduces us to Margot, a girl of 9 who just never "fit in". Her sheltered and privileged upbringing, shuffling between her parents' NY apartment on Park Ave and their country estates on the North Shore, come with a nanny and strict protocols set down by her domineering mother. The theme of the book, and a secondary title would be "What Are We Going To Do About Margot? She was always more interested in daydreaming, reading, asking questions, and exploring the world than settling down and finding a husband. Her intelligence earned her the moniker of loner or brainiac - not a complement to girls in the 1950's who are supposed to follow - not lead. The story takes us through Margot's high school and college days at Radcliffe where she discovers her love of science and works with fellow "brainiacs" in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology to explore DNA and genetics and makes a name for herself when she makes a startling discovery regarding female twins. Margot travels through the maze of trying to make friends, getting and losing sexual partners (this is the beginning of the sexual revolution, of course), and tripping on drugs.
The book reminded me of Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, where a young girl who did not fit the mold of enjoying dance lessons, flirting and finding a husband, but who instead forged ahead in the field of science. Although both books were set in approximately the same time frame with similar approaches to under-appreciating the intellectual prowess of women, Margot was written in a more commanding style. Lessons was trying hard to mix comedy with science, which I felt had a "been there done that" flavor. Steavenson writes in a fluid prose with pointed dialogue. Her characters are well drawn and varied enough to make each one stand out. Margot's frustrations, failures and disappointments throughout this phase of her life create tension and angst for her and the reader. She is a complex and creative protagonist. The last third of the book seemed rushed and not as comprehensive as the first 2 parts. Actions, motives and resolutions were not as clearly drawn. I would expect to see a segue to follow this fascinating Margot as she navigates the "real world".
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Portia A. (Monroe Township, NJ)
Mixed feelings..
I wanted to like Margot, both as a person and a book. I really did until she used the drugs and free sex of her era to assuage her pain. I believe most of us have back stories...we all didn't give in to them.
I really liked the book, I wish the ending were more positive. Anyway "Margot" is worth reading.
Margot should have been stronger, both as a person and a book. None the less, the
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