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rieviolet's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
From a narrative standpoint, I think that Saul's story was very well structured and paced; also, his voice and emotional landscape were explored and captured on the page very vividly and movingly.
The writing is quite understated and matter-of-fact, and while I didn't mind this pared-back style and still found it impactful, it might not click with you if you usually prefer something more flowery and elaborate.
As you progress with the narration, you understand more and more clearly the significant role that hockey plays in Saul's personal journey. Still, I'm not really a sports person and, in all honesty, the parts with more detailed descriptions were not the most interesting to get through.
This is a very heart-wrenching book and it does not shy away from depicting horrific child abuse and its lasting impact or the pervasive societal racism, but it never does so gratuitously.
Despite all, it still ends on a hopeful note, focusing on the possibility of recovery and the healing force of a supportive community.
Graphic: Alcoholism, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Suicide, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Kidnapping, Grief, Religious bigotry, and Colonisation
Moderate: Mental illness, Terminal illness, Torture, Blood, and Abandonment
mktaylor15's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Graphic: Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicide, and Violence
wifeslife's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Alcohol
lynneliu's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Genocide, Hate crime, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Forced institutionalization, Xenophobia, and Alcohol
Moderate: Confinement, Pedophilia, Rape, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, Religious bigotry, Murder, and Abandonment
Minor: Mental illness and Death of parent
onceandfuturereads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Child death, Racism, Sexual violence, and Violence
Moderate: Pedophilia and Blood
maggieed's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Death, Racism, Forced institutionalization, Grief, and Cultural appropriation
Moderate: Child death, Cursing, Sexual assault, Torture, Violence, and Grief
tlaynejones's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Racism, Violence, Forced institutionalization, and Abandonment
Moderate: Alcoholism and Pedophilia
mariaejike's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The book made me very emotional, all the twists were shocking. I never expected any of them.
But it was a learning experience. To know how Residential schools worked and how it affects children who attended there like Saul.
In general it is an Amazing book, honestly one of the best I’ve read.
If you’re wondering if you should read it then YESSSS.
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Hate crime, Pedophilia, Racism, Rape, Violence, Alcohol, and Colonisation
belle2008's review against another edition
4.75
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Cultural appropriation, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Colonisation
rosie_reader's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Racism and Violence