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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.
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
…more think readers of "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" would enjoy this book. (less)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.
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
…more 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. (less)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
…more 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". (less)I wanted to love this book, but I didn't. I did like how Steavenson deftly captured the Harvard milieu (buildings and Cambridge streets) and the frenzied, overwrought 1960's fueled by lots of sex, drugs, and alcohol. Margot, albeit blessed with a financially rich childhood, is squelched by her mother's cruel belittling and, as a result, lacks self-esteem. Her mother's goal is that she marries a rich man and replenishes the family coffers. I enjoyed Margot's scientific zeal and her developing expertise in the laboratory and hoped that would translate to a better sense of self. It didn't really.
Overall, I was
…more disappointed in Margot and thought one of her sexual encounters was gratuitous and not essential for the plot. The childhood sections were slow going, but I found the book flowed more smoothly once Margot was at Harvard. For me, the ending was sad, or perhaps open-ended enough to allow for a sequel. Descriptions are raw and messy at points. I think future readers will have strong feelings about whether they liked the novel or didn't like at all. (less)
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
Shelby K. (Salem, OR)
Margot
It's hard to describe why a certain writing style doesn't work for one person, but may for another. This one wasn't my favorite, but I did find enough interest in the storyline to keep going, and after procrastinating at around 20 pages in, I tore through it in an afternoon. I felt a lot of emotion for the protagonist as she navigated a change of class, a quickly changing world, and tried to find herself within it's context. There are a lot of themes to reflect on within these pages, and it captured numerous aspects of the times during which my own mother was coming of age. I imagine this might be very
…more interesting for someone who had less anecdotal knowledge of the times. I appreciate the STEM aspects. Thank you BookBrowse, for providing a review copy in exchange for my honest review. (less)
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