Reviews tagging 'Racism'

A Veronica Speedwell Mystery - A Perilous Undertaking by Deanna Raybourn

3 reviews

coffee_and_wool's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

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darumachan's review against another edition

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0.25

I enjoyed the first in this series, although the friendship/sexual tension between VS and Stoker got really repetitive and tiresome in this one. I was already skimming hard to finish it quickly by the time I got to the scene when they were off to an opium den in London, and VS dressed in "disguise" as a Chinese man, hoping to pass as Stoker's servant. This is nothing but yellowface, not just appropriating clothes for the purpose but going so far as straightening and dying her hair black, and adding makeup to her face to look the part. While I was barely tolerating the condescending homophobia, racism, and environmental exploitation of colonies in the name of representing women in science and maintaining a semblance of historical authenticity, it's clear that the author attempts to portray VS and Stoker in a positive light by giving them a conscience about most of it, therefore suggesting that they're not as bad as the rest of their peers in this society. In that context, this example of blatant causal racism attempting to come off as clever, lighthearted, and humorous is gross ignorance. DNF at 75%.
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genny's review against another edition

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adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

It's been some time since I finished this (I've been procrastinating on reviews...) so I can't say much about the plot. I'm guilty of not paying enough attention to the details, even though this is more of a proper mystery than the first book, which is a good thing.  I've been considering switching to the ebook so I can retain the details better, but I love the audiobook narration too much.

The development in Stoker and Veronica's relationship, though. Ahhhhhhhhhh!!! They are what I'm really here for, I'm not ashamed to admit it! We finally get Stoker flirting back, and then some acknowledgement of what they have, and then some angst....ooooh, that was delicious. I need more! This would make a great TV series.
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