Official Review: Darling Girl by Terry H Watkins

Please use this sub-forum to discuss any fiction books or series that do not fit into one of the other categories. If the fiction book fits into one the other categories, please use that category instead.
Forum rules
Authors and publishers are not able to post replies in the review topics.
User avatar
Cecilia_L
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 4952
Joined: 08 Jun 2018, 22:16
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 436
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-cecilia-l.html
Latest Review: No Rushing when Brushing by Humairah Shah

Official Review: Darling Girl by Terry H Watkins

Post by Cecilia_L »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Darling Girl" by Terry H Watkins.]
Book Cover
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review


"I am five years old the first time my mama goes away."

Darling Girl is a novel by Terry H. Watkins told in the first-person narrative through the perspective of young DG, as she and her extended family navigate intervals of her mother's absences related to her mental illness. The story begins in the late 1950s, near New Orleans and follows the family's frequent moves to accommodate the father's work on the pipelines across the states and eventually to different continents.

In 1957, DG was five the first time her mother left. Confused by her absence, she assumed perhaps her parents were "picking out a new baby" and hoped this one would be a girl. The story continues with different milestones in DG's life, marked by the occasion and spanning thirteen years. As the family deals with her mother's mental illness, her grandparents--especially Grampa--help bridge the gap left by her parents who are often "away." DG feels responsible for her younger brothers, but eventually realizes that her mother's illness is not the main source of the family's dysfunction. Though she had previously idolized her father, she must learn to face some hard truths regarding his need to maintain secrecy about her mother's condition while isolating the family through frequent moves spanning the continents. Along the way, despite sadness and sacrifices, DG gains a sense of identity and forges her way with hope for the future.

Despite the bittersweet content, I truly enjoyed reading this coming-of-age story of a young girl growing up from the late 1950s to 1970, while dealing with a dysfunctional family. I found it well-written, poignant, and yet still humorous at times, which is a credit to Watkin's writing, considering DG was raised by a maniacally depressed mother and a narcissistic father. Additionally, I found the secrecy and shame surrounding mental illness to be realistic according to the book's timeline.

The greatest strength of the book was found in Watkin's larger than life characters. I was particularly taken by her portrayal of DG's childlike thoughts and reactions as she narrated the family's dysfunction, as well as the confusion she felt as a result. For example, after a week of preparing their home for DG's Brownie troop to meet there, her mother is inexplicably absent when she arrives home from school for the meeting. When the girls and their mothers begin to arrive, once again Gramma and Grampa come to the rescue after their maid, Flozella contacts them. More than once in the scenario, DG who is only seven at the time, frets that things will not be perfect for the meeting. Afterward, we read her thoughts."Gramma cooks hamburger patties and canned peas, and we talk about everything except Mama. We all pretend the meeting was perfect, and that half the town doesn't wonder what is going on at our house." Later that night, when she's supposed to be asleep, she sees the family priest, doctor, and someone she doesn't recognize leave with a small bundle. "I kneel beside the bedspread with its perfect dancers in my perfect room and say my perfect prayers. God bless Mama and Daddy and Gramma and Grampa and Granny and Henry David and Samuel Taylor and Oscar Fingal and the baby who will never have a name." While the entire situation is heartbreaking, Watkin's sensitive portrayal of the circumstances as seen through DG's eyes is both evocative and engaging. The polar opposite of DG's endearing character was her self-consumed father--though despicable, his character was equally well-developed.

My only issue with this book was a lack of clarity regarding DG's stuttering which is introduced briefly in the first chapter and not addressed again until chapters eighteen and twenty, near the end of the book. With the previous exceptions, none of DG's conversations reflected stuttering. Because it was first mentioned when she was only five, I had assumed she outgrew it. However, when her stuttering was mentioned again when she would have been fourteen and fifteen, I found it inconsistent and slightly confusing. Throughout the book, DG was placed in situations where she felt anxious, and if she was still stuttering in her teen years, realistically, it should have been apparent in her conversations.

Nevertheless, it's my conclusion that this book is indeed worthy of a 4 out of 4 star rating. It appears to have been professionally edited, as I found no grammatical errors. I recommend it to readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories and those who appreciate reading about growing up in the South during the 50s-60s. Readers who have a sensitivity to mental health-related issues may prefer to skip this one.

******
Darling Girl
View: on Bookshelves

Like Cecilia_L's review? Post a comment saying so!
User avatar
Debjani Ghosh
Posts: 670
Joined: 18 May 2018, 05:51
Favorite Book: The Lord Of The Rings
Currently Reading: The Evacuees
Bookshelf Size: 86
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-debjani-ghosh.html
Latest Review: Days of the Giants by RJ Petrella

Post by Debjani Ghosh »

I was drawn to the book by its cover. This seems like an inspirational coming-of-age story. Thanks for the review!
User avatar
Cecilia_L
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 4952
Joined: 08 Jun 2018, 22:16
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 436
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-cecilia-l.html
Latest Review: No Rushing when Brushing by Humairah Shah

Post by Cecilia_L »

Debjani Ghosh wrote: 14 Oct 2018, 04:28 I was drawn to the book by its cover. This seems like an inspirational coming-of-age story. Thanks for the review!
I agree--it's a great cover. Thanks for your comment.
User avatar
kandscreeley
Special Discussion Leader
Posts: 11683
Joined: 31 Dec 2016, 20:31
Currently Reading: Believarexic
Bookshelf Size: 486
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kandscreeley.html
Latest Review: The Elf Revelation by Jordan David

Post by kandscreeley »

I wonder if this would hit a bit close to home for me. I also grew up with a mother with mental illness, so I can get the protagonists perspective. I'll have to look into this with the 4 star rating. Thanks.
A book is a dream you hold in your hands.
—Neil Gaiman
User avatar
T_stone
Posts: 1223
Joined: 17 Sep 2018, 22:08
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 122
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-t-stone.html
Latest Review: Marketing on Fleek by Kobi Ben Meir
Reading Device: 1400697484

Post by T_stone »

As thorough as this review looks, the book itself seems exhausting to read, however, I like how DG is inspired despite knowing about her mum's illness. Thank you for the review
Feeling upset sometimes may be unavoidable, but acting distressed is always optional.

Rob White
User avatar
Cecilia_L
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 4952
Joined: 08 Jun 2018, 22:16
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 436
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-cecilia-l.html
Latest Review: No Rushing when Brushing by Humairah Shah

Post by Cecilia_L »

kandscreeley wrote: 14 Oct 2018, 16:52 I wonder if this would hit a bit close to home for me. I also grew up with a mother with mental illness, so I can get the protagonists perspective. I'll have to look into this with the 4 star rating. Thanks.
It probably would. I appreciate your comment.
User avatar
Cecilia_L
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 4952
Joined: 08 Jun 2018, 22:16
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 436
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-cecilia-l.html
Latest Review: No Rushing when Brushing by Humairah Shah

Post by Cecilia_L »

T_stone wrote: 14 Oct 2018, 17:07 As thorough as this review looks, the book itself seems exhausting to read, however, I like how DG is inspired despite knowing about her mum's illness. Thank you for the review
Thanks for your comment.
User avatar
Stephmarieex3
Posts: 1
Joined: 14 Oct 2018, 19:55
Bookshelf Size: 0

Post by Stephmarieex3 »

I fell in love with the cover of this book and one I read it it hit home . A lot of the things that happen In The book I’m going thru in real lofe
BLINKYNOEL36
Posts: 16
Joined: 27 Nov 2017, 23:24
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 16

Post by BLINKYNOEL36 »

This soubdaike the type of book I would enjoy. The writing style reminds me of Judy Blume. Summer sisters was one of my favorite coming to age stories. Mental illness was often hiden and fames were ashamed of aucj thi gs during this time period.
writer808
Posts: 87
Joined: 12 Oct 2018, 08:50
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 18
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-writer808.html
Latest Review: The Chest of Visions by Tim Ferguson

Post by writer808 »

The title was attractive. I was expecting different content but this seems so emotional and message oriented. I will read it
User avatar
HollandBlue
Posts: 1539
Joined: 04 Aug 2018, 16:37
Favorite Book: The Reel Sisters
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 107
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-hollandblue.html
Latest Review: It's Hard to Be a Vampire by Viktoria Faust
2024 Reading Goal: 24
2024 Goal Completion: 0%

Post by HollandBlue »

It's often misunderstood how much mental illness affects the whole family. This book sounds really enlightening, and taking it from the daughter's perspective is very compelling. Thanks for the review.
:techie-studyinggray: when I get a little money I buy books; and if I have any left l buy food and clothes
Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamas
(1466-1536)
User avatar
Cecilia_L
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 4952
Joined: 08 Jun 2018, 22:16
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 436
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-cecilia-l.html
Latest Review: No Rushing when Brushing by Humairah Shah

Post by Cecilia_L »

Stephmarieex3 wrote: 14 Oct 2018, 20:16 I fell in love with the cover of this book and one I read it it hit home . A lot of the things that happen In The book I’m going thru in real lofe
I appreciate your comment.
User avatar
Cecilia_L
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 4952
Joined: 08 Jun 2018, 22:16
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 436
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-cecilia-l.html
Latest Review: No Rushing when Brushing by Humairah Shah

Post by Cecilia_L »

BLINKYNOEL36 wrote: 14 Oct 2018, 20:32 This soubdaike the type of book I would enjoy. The writing style reminds me of Judy Blume. Summer sisters was one of my favorite coming to age stories. Mental illness was often hiden and fames were ashamed of aucj thi gs during this time period.
Thank you for your comment.
User avatar
Cecilia_L
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 4952
Joined: 08 Jun 2018, 22:16
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 436
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-cecilia-l.html
Latest Review: No Rushing when Brushing by Humairah Shah

Post by Cecilia_L »

writer808 wrote: 15 Oct 2018, 05:50 The title was attractive. I was expecting different content but this seems so emotional and message oriented. I will read it
Thanks for stopping by and for your comment.
User avatar
Cecilia_L
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 4952
Joined: 08 Jun 2018, 22:16
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 436
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-cecilia-l.html
Latest Review: No Rushing when Brushing by Humairah Shah

Post by Cecilia_L »

BookReader+6 wrote: 15 Oct 2018, 07:53 It's often misunderstood how much mental illness affects the whole family. This book sounds really enlightening, and taking it from the daughter's perspective is very compelling. Thanks for the review.
You're welcome. I appreciate your comment.
Post Reply

Return to “Other Fiction Forum”