morebedsidebooks's review against another edition
tense
5.0
“Monster’s don’t look like anything, doux-doux. That’s the whole point. That’s the whole problem.”
In Pet by Akwaeke Emezi after a revolution that changed so many of the terrible things to come before, Lucille is a peaceful utopian-like place. But in its success is still shadow. The same blind spots, the same even stronger disbelief. Not here. Monsters are not here, those bad things are long past, they do not happen here. But like a fairy tale or the innermost of nightmares out of a painting comes the powerful creature Pet, a hunter. Is Pet a monster or an avenging angel? What is justice? Seventeen-year-old Jam, her friend Redemption, their families, and the whole community will be challenged with questions and the remedies thought of long resolved.
One of the most fascinating yet only touched upon aspects of this novel is the radically changed society, greatly improving the lives of the people. It’s certainly better for a selectively mute trans girl like Jam. Yet among the many shifts one was especially thought provoking. History is full of conflicts around religion. Yet, the loss of religion through conflicts or prohibitions is usually a bad sign. So, this was an early red flag that something is very wrong in the book’s world. Further in the real world it doesn’t work. People just go underground. It made me more certain about what other hidden things were going on in Lucielle, not just the monster Pet came to hunt. Also, there are differences between religion and faith or belief. Even a reader can see how concepts persist like the subject of angels, human or otherwise, in the book. Most of the issues around religion boil down as Redemption puts it to a battle for control. Power, over property, people, bodies, thoughts, religious bigotry or hate and intolerance masquerading under the guise of religious conviction.
It’s interesting as well how much Lucille puts on librarians to assist since material on monsters, angels, holy texts etc. is in the library where one must go with such questions, not other sources. School education around some topics is minimal at best. Most adults are hesitant or uncooperative when asked. Indeed, sometimes a library is the only source available. It too makes one think about how in reality institutions like libraries, schools and their workers are under attack. Then Pet also has become a banned book. The failure of this lack of representation and education is also another part of the problem in Lucille. This is a story when being able to recognize the signs of an abuser, the abuse, and the victim comes late. Or is just ignored. Until made to. And how it affects many.
Emezi manages to write heavy topics with subtly and sensitivity. This YA novel is well deserving of every accolade. Pet is a book that only speaks more to very real problems that must be faced.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pedophilia, Child abuse, Blood, and Gore
Minor: Death, Murder, Mass/school shootings, Ableism, Transphobia, Slavery, Cursing, Police brutality, Racism, Classism, and Gun violence
alexisgarcia's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
reflective
tense
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
4.5
i would totally recommend reading bitter first. it shows you the world, some of the characters, and the situation that leads you to the beginning of this book. this is a great read! Emezi is a phenomenal writer.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, Classism, Grief, and Racism
lynxpardinus's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Child abuse, and Violence
Moderate: Police brutality, Medical content, Sexual violence, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Panic attacks/disorders, Gaslighting, Racism, Injury/Injury detail, and Incest
Minor: Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Religious bigotry, Toxic relationship, War, Mental illness, Sexual content, Abandonment, Child death, Forced institutionalization, Mass/school shootings, Ableism, Confinement, Gore, Suicide, Transphobia, and Vomit
Ableism warning is to err on the side of caution, for disability framed as a punishment near the end.kalla's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
tense
fast-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? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Pedophilia, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Racism, Police brutality, and Blood
that_bitch_logan's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Racism
Moderate: Sexual assault and Child abuse
midnightcomets's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- 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
5.0
The truth does not change whether it is seen or unseen, it whispered in her mind. A thing which is happening happens whether you look at it or not. And yes, maybe it is easier not to look. Maybe it is easier to say because you do not see it, it is not happening. Maybe you can pull the stone out of the pool and put the moon back together.
Be Not Afraid.
I loved this with my entire heart.
Be Not Afraid.
I loved this with my entire heart.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Child abuse, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Racism and Transphobia
_analisa's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
This book is so good! As a YA, I felt it encapsulates its messages in such a clear, understandable way. The metaphors within were amazing. Same with it’s overarching message that even if you can’t see something doesn’t mean it’s not there. I did find there to be a lot of repetition, but for me it didn’t really take way anything or feel misplaced. Overall, it’s just an amazing book!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Domestic abuse, Police brutality, and Racism
aliciarosales's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Transphobia, Police brutality, and Racism
mlthomas234's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Amazing. Fantastic writing with a cast that make diversity (race, gender, disability, nonverbal), look as fluid and abundant as it is in real life. Loved the premise and Emezi delivered on it flawlessly. The story is straightforward but so so so layered. Truly a read for all ages and audiences.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Death and Racism
sarahrosea's review against another edition
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pedophilia, Torture, Violence, Child abuse, and Sexual assault
Minor: Police brutality, Racism, and Transphobia