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serendipitysbooks's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.75
Upstate certainly packed a punch and gave me all the feels. My heart wanted certain outcomes but my head, sadly, knew better than to expect them. This is an epistolary novel that unfolds over the span of a decade. Natasha and Antonio are 16 and 17 when we meet them, girlfriend and boyfriend, adjusting to their new reality. Antonio has been arrested and is awaiting trial for the murder of his father. The story that unfolds reveals the reality of being a poor Black teen, of living with domestic abuse, of problems with the education system, of the many barriers preventing people from improving their lives and moving out of poverty and, most especially, the harsh realities and inadequacies of the justice system.
Natasha and Antonio were both likeable protagonists and, as a reader, I really wanted the best for them both. One of the things that impressed me with this novel was they way both of them grew and evolved over the years. This was evident in the style and tone of their correspondence as well as its content. It was heartwarming to see Natasha achieve many of her dreams and live a successful (very loaded term I know - what defines success and who gets to judge?) life. Antonio too worked hard and improved himself. Yet, there was always the sense of regret for lost opportunities, for what could have been had he made different choices, but also had the justice system operated differently. There is a bit of a twist later in the book, although it was one I, like many readers I’m sure, had long suspected. But it certainly puts the choices Antonio made in a different light and provides a new discussion point. This one was powerful and gritty read that ended on poignant yet hopeful note. I’m so glad the #100blacknovelistsyoushouldread challenge led me to it.
Natasha and Antonio were both likeable protagonists and, as a reader, I really wanted the best for them both. One of the things that impressed me with this novel was they way both of them grew and evolved over the years. This was evident in the style and tone of their correspondence as well as its content. It was heartwarming to see Natasha achieve many of her dreams and live a successful (very loaded term I know - what defines success and who gets to judge?) life. Antonio too worked hard and improved himself. Yet, there was always the sense of regret for lost opportunities, for what could have been had he made different choices, but also had the justice system operated differently. There is a bit of a twist later in the book, although it was one I, like many readers I’m sure, had long suspected. But it certainly puts the choices Antonio made in a different light and provides a new discussion point. This one was powerful and gritty read that ended on poignant yet hopeful note. I’m so glad the #100blacknovelistsyoushouldread challenge led me to it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Confinement, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Racism and Death of parent
jschumann3's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Murder, and Death of parent
Minor: Cursing
graciffer's review
emotional
reflective
tense
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Death of parent, Murder, Drug use, Suicidal thoughts, Sexism, Pregnancy, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Domestic abuse, Death, Cursing, and Confinement
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