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There are currently 24 member reviews
for Miss Jane
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Claire M. (Sarasota, FL)
Miss Jane
I love this book! Really love it. Each of us has a story, but the ability to tell it is what keeps most of us from doing so. Brad Watson gives voice to Miss Jane's story in some of the most beautiful writing I've read in a long time. Set in the South, in pre-depression Mississippi up through recent times it is about a rural family coping with their lives in ways often alien to one another. Miss Jane is born with some type of genital defect and since this is relatively unknown in these times her life is compromised in several ways and she attends school for a short period. But her life is fulfilling in so many ways as she teaches herself from keen observation and the natural environment. Jane's life is rich and full though she spends so much of it alone. She is a strong character who intrigues those who come to know her. The friendship she has with Dr. Thompson throughout their lives is special to both-and became so to me. It was also a portrait of the south that appealed to me through its gentle approach to the people and their land. Watson is a storyteller of great power and finesse.
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Meredith K. (Hackensack, NJ)
An exceptional book in every way
"Miss Jane" was an exceptionally well written book. The prose was beautiful and the novel had a gentleness about it. I especially enjoyed her love of nature which she seemed to flourish in.
Birds, reptiles and a few other mammals and some people like Jane are born with a posterior orifice that serves as the only opening for the digestive, reproductive, and urinary tracts, from which they excrete both urine and feces.
Forced to wear diapers her entire life, this did not stop Jane from realizing happiness considering that her home life was less than ideal.
Her Mom, a depressed woman who turned Jane's care over to Grace, her much older daughter, almost from birth. Her father who tried his best, did not know how to handle the home situation and turned to moonshine as his sole, sad solace.
Jane's only friend, the older county doctor was steadfast with his support and tried to help her with understanding and improving her rare medical condition.
I loved this book for its simplicity and would highly recommend it to my book club and others who enjoy a good read.
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Linda V. (Independence, KY)
Literary sensory experience
Reading this book is enveloping yourself in a cocoon of images and sensations. Initially, I was intrigued by Jane's 'condition' but soon it was an exploration of how a young woman can maintain an inner peace and joy despite her surroundings and family members. The author's attention to detail and descriptive language immersed me in Jane's world. Enjoyed the character development and story line...sad that it ended too soon for me.
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John W. (Saint Louis, MO)
Inspirational
Loved, cried and cheered for Miss Jane! Brad Watson has written an incredible novel that offers readers a view into pre and post depression South, the struggles of a woman born with a defect (lack of a vagina) that prevents her from bearing children or effectively control her bodily functions and a relationship with her country doctor that most of us would envy. The book inspired me and challenged me to reflect on how I've dealt with adversity in my life, the incredible power of human determination.
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Laure R. (Fresno, CA)
Exceptional book, beautifully written
This book was such a pleasure to read! Watson tells this story of a woman's courage and grace throughout her life in the rural South, dealing with a birth defect that deems her socially challenged beyond our imagination.
The quiet flowing rhythm of his words describing the landscape, the people in her life, and the dignity she maintains throughout is remarkable.
Instead of being depressed and saddened by her plight when I finished this, the author managed skillfully to leave me uplifted. I strongly recommend this book to everyone to enjoy, as I did.
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Cheryl M. (Marco Island, FL)
Time, place and strength
The story of an amazing woman, a complicated family and the beauty to be found in even the most difficult of circumstances.
Brad Watson"s mesmerizing prose drew me in immediately. I was immersed in the time and place, in the strength Jane showed as she lived her life on her own. The family dynamics, the stigma of "disability", the perseverance and inner strength Jane showed will be an inspiration to all who read Miss Jane.
I can't wait to recommend this book to my book group. There is much to discuss and explore. Thank you Mr. Watson for a mesmerizing, thought provoking book.
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Florence K. (Northridge, CA)
Miss Jane
A must read! The writing is beautiful and almost poetic ---terse and imaginative. The characters are finely drawn: the laconic father, the worn-down mother, the rebellious older sister, the kindly doctor, the immature boyfriend, and of course Miss Jane herself.
Born with a genital affliction that could have made her
bitter, reclusive, and joyless, Jane showed extraordinary gumption. She was her own person and an inspiring one at that. In her quiet way she forged a full life for herself despite being "different."
I loved the book and unequivocally recommend it.
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