Recently read Stay by Me. for a book club and when we were discussing someone raised question of marks out of 5. The rest of us argued against rating that way and we compromised on marks out of 10. So reluctantly, pushed into giving a score on the spot, I said roughly 6 or 7. Now having decided to give CAWPILE a go will see if works out the same.
C – characters
Not sure fully understood any characters.
I felt sympathy for the main female. The main male more complex as to whether was meant to be a likeable character so think that shows depth of character as not black or white.
So think I’m more than 50/50 on this one so going 6.
A – atmosphere.
The book was set in Nigeria. But at the beginning in my mind I was thinking of it as India so it that me being dense or the book not creating the appropriate atmosphere?
The book was also Set in 80s against background of political unrest in Nigeria but did not feel immersed in that and gained no understanding of that.
So atmosphere did not come across strongly so going for 4 on this one.
W – writing style.
Bit confusing in places as not clear who’s point of view chapters were from.
Scoring this 5.
P – plot.
Plot made sense but not convinced about pace as felt slow in places and slightly rushed in others; so going 5 again.
I – intrigue.
The prologue gave glimpse of the future so was intriguing how would unfold. So give it 6.
L – logic.
The book, mostly made sense overall. But big part of how fertility issues not realised sooner jars and questions the actions of characters (trying to avoid spoilers there!).
Logic scoring 6.
E – enjoyment.
Think would go 6.
OVERALL ASSESSMENT
TOTAL of 7 categories = 33
Divide 7
= 4.7
Even rounding up to 5 that is lower than original as this system made me mire critical.
Wonderwall 