Assessment:

Plot/Idea: Heinrich builds this distinctly domestic plot around an unconventional central lead—Mary Kline, an unlikely mother struggling with her physical health while navigating the ups and downs of parenting (and life in general). After Mary steps in to parent her friend Pearl's baby, Elizabeth, she feels that her destiny is complete; but Elizabeth is a study in contrasts as she grows, both appreciative of and bothered by Mary, and Heinrich probes those thought-provoking concepts throughout.

Prose: Heinrich writes rich, thoughtful prose that skillfully patches together this intriguing tale, a story that brims with subtle metaphors and will make an impression on readers.

Originality: Mary's self-conscious, weighty personality consumes the novel, but Heinrich delivers a myriad of character-driven moments that make this book distinctive. 

Character/Execution: Mary and Elizabeth stand out as deeply developed characters, bursting with relatability and appeal—each in their own unique way. Pearl is less well defined, though Elizabeth's father, James, is carved with careful attention to detail, and he fully transforms through the novel.

Date Submitted: June 29, 2024