Plot Summary

One Life: My Mother's Story

Kate Grenville
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One Life: My Mother's Story

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 1996

Book Brief

Kate Grenville

One Life: My Mother's Story

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 1996
Book Details
Pages

271

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Setting

Australia • 20th century

Theme
Publication Year

1996

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

One Life: My Mother's Story by Kate Grenville narrates the life of her mother, Nance, who, overcoming a difficult childhood and various social challenges in early 20th-century Australia, becomes a pharmacist, endures a complex marriage, and ultimately finds personal fulfillment in literature and teaching languages while remaining a devoted mother. The book includes instances of family violence and emotional neglect.

Contemplative

Inspirational

Emotional

Nostalgic

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

4.1

3,074 ratings

79%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Kate Grenville's One Life: My Mother's Story is lauded for its eloquent and heartfelt portrayal of a woman's resilience and determination across a changing century. Critics commend Grenville for her vivid prose and emotional depth. However, some find the narrative slow at times. Overall, the book is celebrated for its intimate exploration of personal history.

Who should read this

Who Should Read One Life: My Mother's Story?

Readers who appreciate compelling family sagas and biographical narratives will relish One Life: My Mother's Story by Kate Grenville. Fans of memoirs like The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls or Educated by Tara Westover will find this intimate exploration of resilience and legacy deeply engaging.

4.1

3,074 ratings

79%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

271

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Setting

Australia • 20th century

Theme
Publication Year

1996

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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