Reviews

Luster, by Raven Leilani

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potaithlin's review

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challenging dark reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

millierbrewer's review against another edition

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i can totally appreciate leilani's writing, she is obviously talented but there was just something stopping me from connecting to the characters. in fact, i felt quite indifferent and unemotional to everything in this book. just not for me, but i appreciate it all the same.

sarahluclaire's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

bookishpaiges's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I love this genre of “unstable women going through a crisis in their 20’s“ books. This was a nice read that for awhile I was reluctant to read. Once I learned the plot, it made me more curious. I thought the writing was blunt and captivating. Another thing I liked was that it was a good length, some books ,*MYYR for ex.* , go on longer than necessary. What I also loved was that the MC wasn’t a affluent white girl which is kinda prevalent in this troupe. I liked how it exploded her relationship with the the daughter too. I liked Rebecca and the MC’s relationship too. Read in two sittings.

jesscochran's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I did enjoy this book, I enjoy the genre of messy and complications women just trying to figure life out because nothing matters and everything matters and intersection exists and we are also floating on a big rock. This book perfectly exemplifies what the inside of my brain can look like when I'm overwhelmed and I'm also grateful for authors who will write what sometime we're too afraid to say out loud. But I wish it was longer and really leaned into the questions about sexuality as well. I would've loved to read more from Edie's perspective.