Briefly Noted Book Reviews
Briefly

The novel portrays a close-knit group of teen moms dealing with the struggles of early motherhood in a small beach town. Simone, the leader, faces challenges after the arrival of Adela, a girl sent away from Indiana. This new dynamics leads to conflict, especially around the affections of one mom for Adela. Their bond strengthens during crises, allowing them to realize their capability of being mothers while also having personal freedom. Another tale follows Anna, a Harvard student, who falls in love with Christoph, a German exchange student, amidst the shadows of their grandfathers’ wartime history, complicating their romance with broader historical issues.
In a small, gossipy beach town in Florida, a group of teen moms navigates their strong friendships while facing the challenges brought on by motherhood and societal judgment.
The arrival of Adela disrupts the dynamics among the teen moms, leading to conflict and uncertainty, yet ultimately forcing them to embrace unity and resilience as a community.
Anna, a Harvard student, finds herself in a complex relationship with Christoph, an exchange student from Germany, as their love story unfolds against the backdrop of their grandfathers' wartime history.
Clark's novel is rich with references to music, literature, and philosophical discourse about Nazism, yet struggles to effectively intertwine personal romance with significant historical themes.
Read at The New Yorker
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