45 pages • 1 hour read
Valentine
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Book Brief
320
Novel • Fiction
Odessa, Texas • 1970s
2020
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In the oil town of Odessa, Texas, 14-year-old Mexican girl Gloria Ramírez is brutally assaulted by a white boy, Dale Strickland, dividing the town along racial lines. Mary Rose Whitehead becomes the primary witness in the subsequent trial. The novel shifts perspectives between various women in the town who, despite societal pressures, support Gloria in different ways, navigating a landscape of racism and misogyny. Themes of sexual violence, racial discrimination, and trauma.
Gritty
Dark
Mysterious
Melancholic
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
49,284 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Elizabeth Wetmore's Valentine has garnered praise for its vivid characterization and poignant depiction of women's resilience in post-1970s Texas. Critics appreciate its lyrical prose and gripping narrative. However, some have noted a slow pace and occasionally underdeveloped subplots. Overall, it’s lauded for its emotional depth and social commentary.
Who Should Read Valentine?
Readers who appreciate gripping, character-driven narratives exploring themes of resilience and justice in a community, much like in The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah or The Help by Kathryn Stockett, will enjoy Elizabeth Wetmore's Valentine. This novel is perfect for those who are drawn to stories set against stark, realistic backdrops.
49,284 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
320
Novel • Fiction
Odessa, Texas • 1970s
2020
Adult
18+ years
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