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Margot
It’s the mid-1950s and Margot Thornsen is growing up between a Park Avenue apartment in New York and her family’s sumptuous Oyster Bay estate as the presumed heir to her late grandfather’s steel fortune. Her domineering mother has charted a course for her—to forego education and marry well—but Margot is more interested in microscopes and beetles and books. When a devastating fire brings the family legacy crashing down and the sexual revolution dawns, a new path opens up—the expansive world of late-1960s Radcliffe College and the intellectual, cultural, and sexual freedom Margot has been reaching for.
Hailed for her “intelligent and heartfelt fiction” (Kirkus Reviews), Wendell Steavenson writes with grace, precision, and great psychological perception. With Margot, she has crafted a vivid portrayal of the quiet torment of young women of its era, a comically caustic mother-daughter story, and a memorable evocation of one woman’s passion for the wonder of science.
Hailed for her “intelligent and heartfelt fiction” (Kirkus Reviews), Wendell Steavenson writes with grace, precision, and great psychological perception. With Margot, she has crafted a vivid portrayal of the quiet torment of young women of its era, a comically caustic mother-daughter story, and a memorable evocation of one woman’s passion for the wonder of science.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 24, 2023
18 people are currently reading
6451 people want to read
About the author
Wendell Steavenson
13 books64 followersWendell Steavenson is an Anglo-American journalist and author, having reported mostly from the Middle East and the Caucasus as a regular contributor for publications such as Guardian, Prospect magazine, Slate, Granta and others. After publishing three non-fiction books, "Paris Metro" is her first novel.
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February 21, 2023
Margo Wendell Stevenson
Audiobook….read by Karissa Vacker
…..8 hours and 12 minutes
‘Margo’ is a contemporary coming of age novel, that felt like a young adult book from the start—1950’s - early 1960’s era —
a familiar theme about an unsatisfied bright-book- smart-rich-girl who wanted more in life than to fulfill her mothers wishes in becoming just a wife and mother.
I ended up enjoying this story —giving ‘thumbs-up-credit’ to the audiobook narration by Karissa Vacker.
Excellent character development….
a journey through the historical and political years of the sexual revolution—and a young girl’s Radcliffe college education in the sciences……(Biology and bio chemistry)…..
Given how ultimately this was a fairly predictable story—it was actually very enjoyable; enough surprises, struggles, and family/relationship details kept me interested.
The smooth natural ease of the writing created a lot of personal intimacy.
3.5 - rating up
Audiobook….read by Karissa Vacker
…..8 hours and 12 minutes
‘Margo’ is a contemporary coming of age novel, that felt like a young adult book from the start—1950’s - early 1960’s era —
a familiar theme about an unsatisfied bright-book- smart-rich-girl who wanted more in life than to fulfill her mothers wishes in becoming just a wife and mother.
I ended up enjoying this story —giving ‘thumbs-up-credit’ to the audiobook narration by Karissa Vacker.
Excellent character development….
a journey through the historical and political years of the sexual revolution—and a young girl’s Radcliffe college education in the sciences……(Biology and bio chemistry)…..
Given how ultimately this was a fairly predictable story—it was actually very enjoyable; enough surprises, struggles, and family/relationship details kept me interested.
The smooth natural ease of the writing created a lot of personal intimacy.
3.5 - rating up
January 5, 2023
Margot by Wendell Steavenson was a very moving and thought provoking book. It examined an upper class dysfunctional family through the 1940’s, 1950’s and 1960’s. Margot was the first book that I had the pleasure of reading by Wendell Steavenson. I was drawn in right from the start and enjoyed the development of the many characters. It was well plotted and addressed many issues of that time period.
Margot Thornsen was an only child. She was brought up with an upper class upbringing. Her family owned a resident on Park Avenue in New York City and a sprawling house in Oyster Bay on Long Island. Each home had a full compliment of servants. The family had made their money in steel. Margot was an inquisitive, daring and strong willed child growing up. Her mother, though, was so domineering and negative toward Margot. Margot’s mother belittled her daughter constantly. Even though Margot started her life as a curious and adventurous young girl, her mother’s constant criticism soon curtailed those qualities and behaviors. She soon became insecure and self doubting. Margot was brought up by a multitude of nannies. Her mother kept finding fault with one nanny after another. She fired each one and then quickly hired a new one. Margot’s mother kept employing nannies for her daughter even when Margot was old enough not to have one any longer. Everything was about appearances and good manners for Margot’s mother. Her father was reserved and hardly ever interfered with things his wife did or said. He had returned from the war a changed man. Unfortunately, he had never fully recovered from his experiences in the war. Margot’s father drank to forget. Living with them as well was Margot’s elderly grandmother. Margot’s mother had a sister but when she ran off and married below her class the family had cut off all ties with her and her family.
Margot was a very bright child and was particularly interested in science. Since Margot spent so little time with her mother, was so overprotected and was denied normal experiences girls her age had, she was lacking the knowledge of everyday things and the language for those things. There were so many things and expressions Margot just didn’t understand but was often too embarrassed to ask someone to explain them to her. As smart as she was in book knowledge and things about science, she lacked the understanding for common everyday things.
As Margot got older, she aspired to attend Radcliffe College and become a scientist. Her mother could not understand her desire to go to college. According to her mother, all Margot needed to do was find a suitable husband, get married and have a family. That was the last thing Margot wanted. Then the unthinkable occurred. A fire consumed the family’s home in Oyster Bay. Margot’s family was stripped of their legacy, fortune and station in life. Margot’s mother was even more determined to get her daughter married off after that.
Despite her mother’s protests, Margot got accepted to Radcliffe and was soon immersed in the academic world. Her aspirations to become a scientist were finally coming true. She was given the opportunity to work on a special project and Margot discovered exciting facts in the field of genetics. She was so proud of her discovery. It was the 1960’s so Margot’s college years were volatile. She experienced the repercussions of the Vietnam War, several assassinations, protests, riots and even abortion. Although Margot had lived a very sheltered life before coming to Radcliffe, all of a sudden she was confronted with the whole sexual revolution and drug experimentation including tripping on LSD. It was a time for change. How would Margot fit into this new world she was discovering? Would she continue to let her mother dominate her life? How would Margot cope in this changing world? Would her aspirations to become a scientist come true?
Margot was a well written coming of age book. It portrayed Margot’s determination to escape the confines of the only life she ever knew. She wanted no part of the upper class upbringing she endured her whole life. Margot was a thought provoking book that explored the historical events of the times as well as the politics of those times. Having had grown up during those decades many memories were brought back. I enjoyed that the ending left me with possibility of a sequel. It would be very welcomed. I actually listened to the audiobook of Margot. It was very well narrated by Karissa Vacker. I highly recommend this book. Publication was January 3, 2023.
Thank you to Tantor Audio for allowing me to listen to the audiobook Margot by Wendell Steavenson through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Margot Thornsen was an only child. She was brought up with an upper class upbringing. Her family owned a resident on Park Avenue in New York City and a sprawling house in Oyster Bay on Long Island. Each home had a full compliment of servants. The family had made their money in steel. Margot was an inquisitive, daring and strong willed child growing up. Her mother, though, was so domineering and negative toward Margot. Margot’s mother belittled her daughter constantly. Even though Margot started her life as a curious and adventurous young girl, her mother’s constant criticism soon curtailed those qualities and behaviors. She soon became insecure and self doubting. Margot was brought up by a multitude of nannies. Her mother kept finding fault with one nanny after another. She fired each one and then quickly hired a new one. Margot’s mother kept employing nannies for her daughter even when Margot was old enough not to have one any longer. Everything was about appearances and good manners for Margot’s mother. Her father was reserved and hardly ever interfered with things his wife did or said. He had returned from the war a changed man. Unfortunately, he had never fully recovered from his experiences in the war. Margot’s father drank to forget. Living with them as well was Margot’s elderly grandmother. Margot’s mother had a sister but when she ran off and married below her class the family had cut off all ties with her and her family.
Margot was a very bright child and was particularly interested in science. Since Margot spent so little time with her mother, was so overprotected and was denied normal experiences girls her age had, she was lacking the knowledge of everyday things and the language for those things. There were so many things and expressions Margot just didn’t understand but was often too embarrassed to ask someone to explain them to her. As smart as she was in book knowledge and things about science, she lacked the understanding for common everyday things.
As Margot got older, she aspired to attend Radcliffe College and become a scientist. Her mother could not understand her desire to go to college. According to her mother, all Margot needed to do was find a suitable husband, get married and have a family. That was the last thing Margot wanted. Then the unthinkable occurred. A fire consumed the family’s home in Oyster Bay. Margot’s family was stripped of their legacy, fortune and station in life. Margot’s mother was even more determined to get her daughter married off after that.
Despite her mother’s protests, Margot got accepted to Radcliffe and was soon immersed in the academic world. Her aspirations to become a scientist were finally coming true. She was given the opportunity to work on a special project and Margot discovered exciting facts in the field of genetics. She was so proud of her discovery. It was the 1960’s so Margot’s college years were volatile. She experienced the repercussions of the Vietnam War, several assassinations, protests, riots and even abortion. Although Margot had lived a very sheltered life before coming to Radcliffe, all of a sudden she was confronted with the whole sexual revolution and drug experimentation including tripping on LSD. It was a time for change. How would Margot fit into this new world she was discovering? Would she continue to let her mother dominate her life? How would Margot cope in this changing world? Would her aspirations to become a scientist come true?
Margot was a well written coming of age book. It portrayed Margot’s determination to escape the confines of the only life she ever knew. She wanted no part of the upper class upbringing she endured her whole life. Margot was a thought provoking book that explored the historical events of the times as well as the politics of those times. Having had grown up during those decades many memories were brought back. I enjoyed that the ending left me with possibility of a sequel. It would be very welcomed. I actually listened to the audiobook of Margot. It was very well narrated by Karissa Vacker. I highly recommend this book. Publication was January 3, 2023.
Thank you to Tantor Audio for allowing me to listen to the audiobook Margot by Wendell Steavenson through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 11, 2023
Thanks to @w.w.norton for an ARC of #Margot.
I’m struggling with how to rate books that I’m fully invested in for the majority of the book, but find the ending is lacking in some way. That was the case for me with 𝘈𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘝𝘪𝘤𝘦 by Deepti Kapoor and it’s definitely the case with 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗚𝗢𝗧 by Wendell Steavenson.
This is a classic poor little rich girl story. Margot is the only child of a wealthy couple, growing up between their home in NYC and another in Oyster Bay, an elite enclave not far from the city. While it might seem Margot has it all, she’s a very insecure child, lacking friends, with a domineering mother and a distant father. But, Margot is also brilliant, having a mind for science and the natural world. Eventually, she escapes her parents for Radcliffe in the late 60’s. Now here is where we might expect Margot to flourish and at times she does, but she can never fully shed the insecure little girl she’s always been.
This grew frustrating even though I was enjoying the story and especially the era (one of my favorites). Then there was the ending. In my opinion, it went completely off the rails in ways that were impossible to believe. So, back to my rating? I’m not doing quarter stars anymore, so I’m going to go with ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫. I liked most of the book and want to give it credit for that, despite its ending.
I’m struggling with how to rate books that I’m fully invested in for the majority of the book, but find the ending is lacking in some way. That was the case for me with 𝘈𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘝𝘪𝘤𝘦 by Deepti Kapoor and it’s definitely the case with 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗚𝗢𝗧 by Wendell Steavenson.
This is a classic poor little rich girl story. Margot is the only child of a wealthy couple, growing up between their home in NYC and another in Oyster Bay, an elite enclave not far from the city. While it might seem Margot has it all, she’s a very insecure child, lacking friends, with a domineering mother and a distant father. But, Margot is also brilliant, having a mind for science and the natural world. Eventually, she escapes her parents for Radcliffe in the late 60’s. Now here is where we might expect Margot to flourish and at times she does, but she can never fully shed the insecure little girl she’s always been.
This grew frustrating even though I was enjoying the story and especially the era (one of my favorites). Then there was the ending. In my opinion, it went completely off the rails in ways that were impossible to believe. So, back to my rating? I’m not doing quarter stars anymore, so I’m going to go with ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫. I liked most of the book and want to give it credit for that, despite its ending.
February 16, 2023
Acclaimed journalist turned novelist Wendell Steavenson delivers a humorous, razor-sharp, moving and insightful coming-of-age tale following the journey of Margot Thornsen—titled MARGOT, set in New York during the exciting political and sexual revolutions of the 50s and 60s.
At age eight, we meet Margot and her self-absorbed and verbally abusive mom, Peggy Vanderloep Thornsen—her overbearing mother, has charted a course for her—to forego education and marry well, following society's expectations.
Do we have to lose ourselves to find ourselves? A novel about how we come into our own―the roads we take, and the ones we leave behind.
She wants something different than the privileged family's Park Avenue apartment and their Oyster Bay, Long Island, estate. Not a husband and a life her mother thinks she should have.
Going against the grain, Margot is fascinated with biochemistry, which blossoms at Radcliffe on her journey to pursue a career as a scientist.
The sexual revolution dawns and a new path opens up—the expansive world of late-1960s Radcliffe College and the intellectual, cultural, and sexual freedom she desires.
She gets quite the worldly education from a cast of colorful characters from childhood into college: Trip Merryweather, the boy from the mansion next door—keeping Margot on a string. His older brother, Richie, a medical student, and Margot's free-spirited friend, Maddy, and GI/poet, Sandy Full, among others. Some scenes will make you laugh out loud!
From the social movement that resulted in liberalized attitudes toward sex and morality, the social norms were changing as sex became more widely discussed. The women's liberation movements sought to free women from social and moral confines—War, laws and feeling helpless at times.
With the introduction of the pill and second-wave feminism, women gained more control over their bodies and sexuality during the 1960s. Women had more power over their bodies (more than we do today) and were involved in the feminist movement. Also, abortion, Vietnam War, political unrest, and other topics are some of the many discussions in the book and worldly events during this era.
Intriguing, Margot dives into the new findings of the field of genetics. There are personal discoveries and scientific discoveries.
"The Haves and Have Nots."
Beautifully rendered, a compelling, moving portrait of a young woman’s struggle to break free from her upper-class upbringing amid the whirlwind years of the sexual revolution.
MARGOT is a well-written, thought-provoking novel crossing contemporary, political, historical, scientific, humor, and coming-of-age genres.
We also experience life from a young woman's viewpoint from life during this period as she finds her place in the ever-changing world. I grew up in the 50s and 60s, and I appreciated this trip down memory lane, the nostalgia—reminded me of Judy Blume's books and sitting in the 6th-grade classroom when Kennedy was shot —like yesterday.
With the cliff hanger ending—Margot's departure to London, wondering if there will be a sequel. I am definitely in for a continuation of the life of Margo.
Readers who enjoyed Jessica George's Maame debut coming-of-age will enjoy MARGOT; from a different background of one woman's journey into life.
🔉 AUDIOBOOK: I listened to the audiobook narrated by one of my favorite narrators, Karissa Vacker! Her performance was superb for a wide range of voices, which took the rating from 4 to 5 stars. Highly recommend the audiobook!
Looking forward to more from this talented author.
Many thanks to #TantorAudio and #NetGalley for a gifted ALC.
Blog Review Posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Jan 3, 2023
Jan 2023 Must-Read Books
At age eight, we meet Margot and her self-absorbed and verbally abusive mom, Peggy Vanderloep Thornsen—her overbearing mother, has charted a course for her—to forego education and marry well, following society's expectations.
Do we have to lose ourselves to find ourselves? A novel about how we come into our own―the roads we take, and the ones we leave behind.
She wants something different than the privileged family's Park Avenue apartment and their Oyster Bay, Long Island, estate. Not a husband and a life her mother thinks she should have.
Going against the grain, Margot is fascinated with biochemistry, which blossoms at Radcliffe on her journey to pursue a career as a scientist.
The sexual revolution dawns and a new path opens up—the expansive world of late-1960s Radcliffe College and the intellectual, cultural, and sexual freedom she desires.
She gets quite the worldly education from a cast of colorful characters from childhood into college: Trip Merryweather, the boy from the mansion next door—keeping Margot on a string. His older brother, Richie, a medical student, and Margot's free-spirited friend, Maddy, and GI/poet, Sandy Full, among others. Some scenes will make you laugh out loud!
From the social movement that resulted in liberalized attitudes toward sex and morality, the social norms were changing as sex became more widely discussed. The women's liberation movements sought to free women from social and moral confines—War, laws and feeling helpless at times.
With the introduction of the pill and second-wave feminism, women gained more control over their bodies and sexuality during the 1960s. Women had more power over their bodies (more than we do today) and were involved in the feminist movement. Also, abortion, Vietnam War, political unrest, and other topics are some of the many discussions in the book and worldly events during this era.
Intriguing, Margot dives into the new findings of the field of genetics. There are personal discoveries and scientific discoveries.
"The Haves and Have Nots."
Beautifully rendered, a compelling, moving portrait of a young woman’s struggle to break free from her upper-class upbringing amid the whirlwind years of the sexual revolution.
MARGOT is a well-written, thought-provoking novel crossing contemporary, political, historical, scientific, humor, and coming-of-age genres.
We also experience life from a young woman's viewpoint from life during this period as she finds her place in the ever-changing world. I grew up in the 50s and 60s, and I appreciated this trip down memory lane, the nostalgia—reminded me of Judy Blume's books and sitting in the 6th-grade classroom when Kennedy was shot —like yesterday.
With the cliff hanger ending—Margot's departure to London, wondering if there will be a sequel. I am definitely in for a continuation of the life of Margo.
Readers who enjoyed Jessica George's Maame debut coming-of-age will enjoy MARGOT; from a different background of one woman's journey into life.
🔉 AUDIOBOOK: I listened to the audiobook narrated by one of my favorite narrators, Karissa Vacker! Her performance was superb for a wide range of voices, which took the rating from 4 to 5 stars. Highly recommend the audiobook!
Looking forward to more from this talented author.
Many thanks to #TantorAudio and #NetGalley for a gifted ALC.
Blog Review Posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Jan 3, 2023
Jan 2023 Must-Read Books
June 10, 2023
I enjoyed this novel and might never have heard of it if not for The Nervous Breakdown Book Club (lately renamed The Otherppl Book Club.)
The author has been an intrepid journalist covering events in Iraq, Egypt and post communist Georgia. She also has a previous novel, Paris Metro. Thus, Margot is her second novel.
It could be called a companion to Lessons in Chemistry, with less funny moments but more cultural observations. Margot grows up rich in 1950s WASP surroundings. She is the misfit in her family, socially awkward, more interested in microscopes and beetles and books than in pleasing her domineering mother who only wants her to make a good marriage to someone with money.
Despite the mother, she gets accepted at Radcliffe. It is the 1960s by then and sex is the biggest thing going thanks to the pill. Women are beginning to rise. Psychedelics are taken.
I love a good 1960s story and this is one of them. Margot is still a geek, struggles to get a Masters degree, studies chromosomes, all the while being a lone woman in a man's scientific world.
I also love a good story about a female emerging from the chrysalis of 1950s repression, confused and dangerously impulsive.
I was not sure I loved the end of the story but it was probable for the times.
The author has been an intrepid journalist covering events in Iraq, Egypt and post communist Georgia. She also has a previous novel, Paris Metro. Thus, Margot is her second novel.
It could be called a companion to Lessons in Chemistry, with less funny moments but more cultural observations. Margot grows up rich in 1950s WASP surroundings. She is the misfit in her family, socially awkward, more interested in microscopes and beetles and books than in pleasing her domineering mother who only wants her to make a good marriage to someone with money.
Despite the mother, she gets accepted at Radcliffe. It is the 1960s by then and sex is the biggest thing going thanks to the pill. Women are beginning to rise. Psychedelics are taken.
I love a good 1960s story and this is one of them. Margot is still a geek, struggles to get a Masters degree, studies chromosomes, all the while being a lone woman in a man's scientific world.
I also love a good story about a female emerging from the chrysalis of 1950s repression, confused and dangerously impulsive.
I was not sure I loved the end of the story but it was probable for the times.
February 12, 2023
really good! the abrupt ending caught me off guard but overall a great read :))
February 7, 2023
“Hats were to be kept on at lunch, but not worn in the evening. Nothing that sparkled before sunset. No white shoes after Labor Day.… The butler passed the meat platter, the maids passed the vegetables.”
These are among the many rules that govern life for Margot Thornsen, growing up in New York City as one of the 1 percent in the postwar years. She never quite fits in – too tall, too intellectual, too enthralled by science – although she desperately wants to please her demanding mother and be liked by the other rich kids.
Margot’s narrow world opens up when she enrolls at Radcliffe, just as the Sixties explode and all the old rules crumble. Drugs, antiwar protests, feminism, the Pill, and the newly discovered intricacies of DNA bombard her.
The keyhole views are the best parts of this novel, whether they peek into the curtained rooms of Margot’s family’s Long Island estate, or the naïve mindset of Americans before the horrors of the Vietnam War hit their televisions. Margot’s love of science also rings beautifully true.
Unfortunately, the novel’s intriguing context is marred by a cast that is one cliché after another, starting with the eponymous Margot: The misfit bookish heroine. The tyrannical patriarch. The rebellious rich daughter who marries out of her class. The bad-boy rich boy. The benignly drunk and mostly absent rich father. The sexy, hippie professor. Worst of all is Margot’s mother, Peggy, a comic-book villain who combines bitterness, ambition, rigidity, and plain old nastiness without a single redeeming virtue.
But the book must be read to the end, which brings a wonderful twist that shakes the reader’s assumptions the way life shakes up Margot. (Adapted from my review in the New York Journal of Books: https://www.nyjournalofbooks.com/book...)
These are among the many rules that govern life for Margot Thornsen, growing up in New York City as one of the 1 percent in the postwar years. She never quite fits in – too tall, too intellectual, too enthralled by science – although she desperately wants to please her demanding mother and be liked by the other rich kids.
Margot’s narrow world opens up when she enrolls at Radcliffe, just as the Sixties explode and all the old rules crumble. Drugs, antiwar protests, feminism, the Pill, and the newly discovered intricacies of DNA bombard her.
The keyhole views are the best parts of this novel, whether they peek into the curtained rooms of Margot’s family’s Long Island estate, or the naïve mindset of Americans before the horrors of the Vietnam War hit their televisions. Margot’s love of science also rings beautifully true.
Unfortunately, the novel’s intriguing context is marred by a cast that is one cliché after another, starting with the eponymous Margot: The misfit bookish heroine. The tyrannical patriarch. The rebellious rich daughter who marries out of her class. The bad-boy rich boy. The benignly drunk and mostly absent rich father. The sexy, hippie professor. Worst of all is Margot’s mother, Peggy, a comic-book villain who combines bitterness, ambition, rigidity, and plain old nastiness without a single redeeming virtue.
But the book must be read to the end, which brings a wonderful twist that shakes the reader’s assumptions the way life shakes up Margot. (Adapted from my review in the New York Journal of Books: https://www.nyjournalofbooks.com/book...)
January 2, 2023
I quite enjoyed this book. It started off a little slow for me, but by part two I was invested.
The novel follows the story of a young woman named Margot as she navigates life to discover her place in the post WWII era (1940-1960s). As a student myself, I always enjoy books that are set in university and/or academic settings and Margot was no exception. Although I did not really understand the science behind it all, it was really interesting to follow Margot as she dug deeper to discover new findings in the field of genetics. I enjoyed Margots’ character growth throughout the novel and the ways in which her relationships with the people in her life changed and developed as a result.
My main critique of the book is that it did not fully address the anti-black racism that occurred during this specific time period.
I am also left wondering how the novel would have played out if the author had used a first person POV rather than third person POV. Since this novel so closely follows one character, I really wanted to dig deeper inside Margot’s brain, but the third person POV prevented that to some extent.
Thank you to netgally and publishers for the e-arc of this title.
The novel follows the story of a young woman named Margot as she navigates life to discover her place in the post WWII era (1940-1960s). As a student myself, I always enjoy books that are set in university and/or academic settings and Margot was no exception. Although I did not really understand the science behind it all, it was really interesting to follow Margot as she dug deeper to discover new findings in the field of genetics. I enjoyed Margots’ character growth throughout the novel and the ways in which her relationships with the people in her life changed and developed as a result.
My main critique of the book is that it did not fully address the anti-black racism that occurred during this specific time period.
I am also left wondering how the novel would have played out if the author had used a first person POV rather than third person POV. Since this novel so closely follows one character, I really wanted to dig deeper inside Margot’s brain, but the third person POV prevented that to some extent.
Thank you to netgally and publishers for the e-arc of this title.
January 3, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this book. I love any books about introverted women navigating the world, their mothers and sex lives, experimentation and radicalization, possibly because they remind me of myself and I am nothing if not driven by self-posession. Sorry sorry.
The author allowed me to really get there in terms of the setting.
I wish it had delved more deeply into the racism that existed (and continues to exist) during this period of time especially when it comes to academics.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for the e-arc.
The author allowed me to really get there in terms of the setting.
I wish it had delved more deeply into the racism that existed (and continues to exist) during this period of time especially when it comes to academics.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for the e-arc.
February 14, 2023
this was a pretty exceptional look at a young woman and her life (and her mother's through her eyes) in the 1950/60's.
the tension and misunderstandings, as well as generational divide, reminded me a bit of Lady Bird so if you are looking for a much darker story than that, this is the book for you.
the tension and misunderstandings, as well as generational divide, reminded me a bit of Lady Bird so if you are looking for a much darker story than that, this is the book for you.
January 6, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up based on the audio and narration by Karissa Vacker (this is now a Karissa stan account 😻)
Margot Thornsen is raised in a life of privilege in post-WWII NYC. Her overpowering mother has expectations of Margot to marry well as the heir to her grandfather's steel fortune. However, Margot only wants to go on to pursue an education in microbiology... uncommon in the 50s. A fire changes everything and the world is open to her as she heads to Radcliffe; right as the dawn of a new age is opening up in 1960s, one of cultural and sexual freedom.
Margot is funny at times, but mostly poignant and a touchstone of the epic times in the 60s. The journey of a introverted young girl to a woman becoming aware of her sexuality at a time when women didn't have a voice~ rings especially true in the current politcal climate.
The narration by Karissa Vacker is on point, as always. From achingly tender and innocent to demonstrating self discovery and pain, she once again proves she's a master with her voice.
Thank you Tantor Audio for the gifted audio! Available NOW!
Margot Thornsen is raised in a life of privilege in post-WWII NYC. Her overpowering mother has expectations of Margot to marry well as the heir to her grandfather's steel fortune. However, Margot only wants to go on to pursue an education in microbiology... uncommon in the 50s. A fire changes everything and the world is open to her as she heads to Radcliffe; right as the dawn of a new age is opening up in 1960s, one of cultural and sexual freedom.
Margot is funny at times, but mostly poignant and a touchstone of the epic times in the 60s. The journey of a introverted young girl to a woman becoming aware of her sexuality at a time when women didn't have a voice~ rings especially true in the current politcal climate.
The narration by Karissa Vacker is on point, as always. From achingly tender and innocent to demonstrating self discovery and pain, she once again proves she's a master with her voice.
Thank you Tantor Audio for the gifted audio! Available NOW!
January 5, 2023
I received a free ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Margot is a strange, and often bleak, work of fiction. The synopsis of this book does not feel like a good reflection of it. I expected to read a story of a woman coming into her own during the women's lib/feminist atmosphere of the 60s. Steavenson lingers in Margot's childhood longer than I anticipated, and once Margot is coming of age and pursuing higher education, it often feels like she is ineffectual and not self-aware. Instead, Margot is often going in whatever direction the wind takes her. Even as her world becomes more open to gender equality, Margot is often the victim of circumstances and of the men in her life (as well as her own mother).
Steavenson is an unusual writer and I was ambivalent about her writing style. I would not characterize her writing as lyrical, yet she often uses poetry constructs like rhyming and alliteration in her descriptions. Sometimes these were effective devices, and other times they were simply distracting. Steavenson does capture the era well, but I never felt connected to Margot or sensed her as a real person, and the ending of the book left me feeling that she had not really grown/changed or succeeded in any meaningful way. Without revealing spoilers, I found the end disappointing and frustratingly irresolute. This is the only work I've read by Steavenson but I'm not sure that I would pick up another.
Margot is a strange, and often bleak, work of fiction. The synopsis of this book does not feel like a good reflection of it. I expected to read a story of a woman coming into her own during the women's lib/feminist atmosphere of the 60s. Steavenson lingers in Margot's childhood longer than I anticipated, and once Margot is coming of age and pursuing higher education, it often feels like she is ineffectual and not self-aware. Instead, Margot is often going in whatever direction the wind takes her. Even as her world becomes more open to gender equality, Margot is often the victim of circumstances and of the men in her life (as well as her own mother).
Steavenson is an unusual writer and I was ambivalent about her writing style. I would not characterize her writing as lyrical, yet she often uses poetry constructs like rhyming and alliteration in her descriptions. Sometimes these were effective devices, and other times they were simply distracting. Steavenson does capture the era well, but I never felt connected to Margot or sensed her as a real person, and the ending of the book left me feeling that she had not really grown/changed or succeeded in any meaningful way. Without revealing spoilers, I found the end disappointing and frustratingly irresolute. This is the only work I've read by Steavenson but I'm not sure that I would pick up another.
December 23, 2022
If you enjoy books about girls attempting to overcome horrible childhoods and basically failing at every attempt, then this is the book for you. Characters come and go inadvertently and there is an unnecessary abundance of “icky” sex and extremely unlikable characters. Throw in drug trips, possible rape, and a totally confusing, open-ended conclusion, and there you have Margot. Granted she does achieve some success at Radcliffe in biochemistry but this reader found the overly long scientific descriptions confusing and out of balance with the rest of the book. I suggest that if Steavenson writes a sequel, she hire a new editor. The writing fluctuates from choppy, verbless sentences to flowery, melodramatic sentences that seem never ending. I received an ARC in exchange for a review
January 9, 2023
ARC from Netgalley.
The chronicle of a young woman's life in the middle of the last century, from girlhood to college graduation.
This didn't work for me. There was a distance in the narrative that didn't serve it well, paired with several moments of being far too on-the-nose. I found it an odd combination. The writing was also slightly too cute for my taste. The alliteration, repetition, creation of new compound words didn't feel organic to me. It's something I've seen again and again in recent fiction, and frankly, I'm sick of it.
This feels undeniably like a book club book to me, and in that respect I'll say that it is a step up from the usual fare, and might be a good choice for that use.
The chronicle of a young woman's life in the middle of the last century, from girlhood to college graduation.
This didn't work for me. There was a distance in the narrative that didn't serve it well, paired with several moments of being far too on-the-nose. I found it an odd combination. The writing was also slightly too cute for my taste. The alliteration, repetition, creation of new compound words didn't feel organic to me. It's something I've seen again and again in recent fiction, and frankly, I'm sick of it.
This feels undeniably like a book club book to me, and in that respect I'll say that it is a step up from the usual fare, and might be a good choice for that use.
November 3, 2022
I read Margot in two days. I tore through it.
As a college student writing a thesis and working multiple jobs, it’s hard to find enough time to read for pleasure.
With Margot, it would have been impossible NOT to find time.
A great book that got me thinking, includes highly-developed characters and involves science in a friendly and educational way.
Highly recommend.
As a college student writing a thesis and working multiple jobs, it’s hard to find enough time to read for pleasure.
With Margot, it would have been impossible NOT to find time.
A great book that got me thinking, includes highly-developed characters and involves science in a friendly and educational way.
Highly recommend.
April 1, 2023
Writing is sharp and exact, time period of late 50’s-60’s in New York/ Boston, amidst fortunes lost and social opportunities for women and Margot… I learned a lot, and often a line of writing might sing. So many characters were horrible and entitled, but Margot’s mother was THE WORST from jump. The sexual Revolution of the 60’s had far more nuances than I’d known about and clearly women’s rights currently are still something we have to fight for. Ending was abysmal.
March 30, 2024
I don’t know that I’ve ever given a two but I have to be honest to my Goodreads community. Summary seemed very up my alley but was not my favorite. Themes were a bit obvious and overdone and same with the writing.
December 18, 2022
Margot by Wendell Steavenson reminds me of the books I started reading when I first started reading "adult" books. They were books from another time, something like Fifteen from Judy Blume, a coming-of-age story, with hints of romance or first love. Margot, however, is a bit deeper, with talk of money, sex, unhappy families and society expectations.
There's a nostalgia feel to this type of writing, it's historical fiction but at the same time, it's contemporary thinking and contemporary ideals. I see other have complained about the end, but I quite liked it. I like the abruptness. When reading books like "Peyton Place", finding out what happened after....kind of ruined the story. Ending Margot's story like this is good...just leave it. Life is like that, vague. We can assume, but we don't know.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.
There's a nostalgia feel to this type of writing, it's historical fiction but at the same time, it's contemporary thinking and contemporary ideals. I see other have complained about the end, but I quite liked it. I like the abruptness. When reading books like "Peyton Place", finding out what happened after....kind of ruined the story. Ending Margot's story like this is good...just leave it. Life is like that, vague. We can assume, but we don't know.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.
February 13, 2023
Thank you to Tantor audio for the review copy on NetGalley. Audiobook review for Margot by Wendell Steavenson.
I love this audiobook and am becoming quite a fan of Karissa Vacker's narration style, she captures style and nuance and tone very well.
Margot is very much my kind of character focused literary story and I loved the development of Margot's voice, her self-awareness, and her movement into her own career and intellect. I am not a fan of historical fiction per se but this story is enhanced by the setting and context, which are needed to give a bigger picture to the themes on Margot's clashes with her mother and others and the meaningful trajectories that open up for her during the 1960s.
This is a great book/audiobook for fans of character focused stories, particularly stories about women's lives and the women's/sexual revolution, and I hope this book finds fans and book clubs!
I love this audiobook and am becoming quite a fan of Karissa Vacker's narration style, she captures style and nuance and tone very well.
Margot is very much my kind of character focused literary story and I loved the development of Margot's voice, her self-awareness, and her movement into her own career and intellect. I am not a fan of historical fiction per se but this story is enhanced by the setting and context, which are needed to give a bigger picture to the themes on Margot's clashes with her mother and others and the meaningful trajectories that open up for her during the 1960s.
This is a great book/audiobook for fans of character focused stories, particularly stories about women's lives and the women's/sexual revolution, and I hope this book finds fans and book clubs!
November 10, 2022
*received an ARC in a giveaway
I’m honestly a bit lost in how to describe this book. It is a slow burn that turns into a wildfire as Margot begins to experience more of the world and understand herself. There are discoveries, both personal and scientific. It is political but also personal. It is historical fiction, but feels contemporary too. Overall, really enjoyed this. I stayed up way too late on a week night to finish it, which is always a high water mark for a book. I wish GR offered partial stars. This is much closer to five for me.
If not for the last sentence… That sentence really just felt so unnecessary. I can understand why the author included it, but the rest of the chapter had pointed in that direction without literally spelling it out for the reader. It broke the spell for me.
I’m honestly a bit lost in how to describe this book. It is a slow burn that turns into a wildfire as Margot begins to experience more of the world and understand herself. There are discoveries, both personal and scientific. It is political but also personal. It is historical fiction, but feels contemporary too. Overall, really enjoyed this. I stayed up way too late on a week night to finish it, which is always a high water mark for a book. I wish GR offered partial stars. This is much closer to five for me.
If not for the last sentence… That sentence really just felt so unnecessary. I can understand why the author included it, but the rest of the chapter had pointed in that direction without literally spelling it out for the reader. It broke the spell for me.
March 9, 2023
"Maybe we have to lose ourselves to find ourselves."
What a lovely read! Such a unique novel about a girl with an overbearing and demanding mother. A tall and awkward girl who loved to read and learn. She grew into a female science student during the 1960s and we join Margot during her journey as she discovers herself, attempting to understand life and the chromosomes it is comprised of.
Really enjoyed this...it was a slice of history paired with an awesome story about an intelligent woman dealing with the complexities of life. We are made up of genes given to us by our parents, we are raised with expectations, but we are our own people with our own minds. We can do as we please despite the DNA inside of us.
Be strong and find who you are regardless of the expectations and the genetics.
What a lovely read! Such a unique novel about a girl with an overbearing and demanding mother. A tall and awkward girl who loved to read and learn. She grew into a female science student during the 1960s and we join Margot during her journey as she discovers herself, attempting to understand life and the chromosomes it is comprised of.
Really enjoyed this...it was a slice of history paired with an awesome story about an intelligent woman dealing with the complexities of life. We are made up of genes given to us by our parents, we are raised with expectations, but we are our own people with our own minds. We can do as we please despite the DNA inside of us.
Be strong and find who you are regardless of the expectations and the genetics.
November 8, 2022
I loved this book for so many reasons. The setting, the characters, the time period and the thought provoking lines. I think it is one of the very few books that I would want to reread because there is so much there to absorb. I'm an older reader and the time period is one that I also lived through so I found it particularly interesting. For younger readers, it will probably be an eye opener.
I did not want it to end and I felt I wanted at least another few chapters of Margot's life. I was not ready to part ways with her!
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. It's an easy five-star read for me. Well done, author!
I did not want it to end and I felt I wanted at least another few chapters of Margot's life. I was not ready to part ways with her!
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. It's an easy five-star read for me. Well done, author!
November 1, 2022
A novel of of how things may not be as they first appear; Margot sees every overlooked bit of nature that surrounds her; while the silent torment of social pressures to confirm grows & pull her away from what she truly loves.
A brilliant & thoughtful novel.
I stayed up most of Halloween night and flew-nearly ripped through the pages.
Sleep? Meh! Time held no consequence & “I had no respect for tomorrow” as book nerds often say.
A brilliant & thoughtful novel.
I stayed up most of Halloween night and flew-nearly ripped through the pages.
Sleep? Meh! Time held no consequence & “I had no respect for tomorrow” as book nerds often say.
December 29, 2022
Thank you Net Galley for an audio ARC of Margot by Wendell Steavenson. This is historical fiction at its finest. A young woman, coming into her own, rejecting society's standard and living. I loved the beautiful novel!
August 4, 2023
I really came to love the character, Margot, but I think this would have been a much better book had it been written in first person.
January 5, 2023
A fantastic, thought provoking piece of literary fiction that functions well as a character study.
I loved everything about this, from its strong sense of time and place to its intense omniscience of its main character’s thoughts and feelings. I was surprised how interested I became in Margot’s studies and interests, given that genetics generally doesn’t do much for me.
The story is pretty bleak and has a lot of cruelty in it, and it’s a bit painful to see how much Margot suffers at the hands of others, but the writing is so good and the story so compellingly told that I found myself less averse than usual to what is essentially a real downer of a plot.
I wasn’t crazy about the semi-open ending, but it does seem fitting for the story so it didn’t really change my feelings on the book. Looking forward to exploring more of Steavenson’s work.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
I loved everything about this, from its strong sense of time and place to its intense omniscience of its main character’s thoughts and feelings. I was surprised how interested I became in Margot’s studies and interests, given that genetics generally doesn’t do much for me.
The story is pretty bleak and has a lot of cruelty in it, and it’s a bit painful to see how much Margot suffers at the hands of others, but the writing is so good and the story so compellingly told that I found myself less averse than usual to what is essentially a real downer of a plot.
I wasn’t crazy about the semi-open ending, but it does seem fitting for the story so it didn’t really change my feelings on the book. Looking forward to exploring more of Steavenson’s work.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
March 2, 2023
I think maybe I had too high of expectations for this one, I don’t know, I was expecting it to be super great but it was just good. 🙁
March 22, 2023
Read my mini-review: HERE.
August 11, 2023
a tragedy for my women in stem. so so so brilliant. a new fave of all time.
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