readingwithkaitlyn's review
I had to DNF this book for a couple of reasons, mainly being content that made me uncomfortable. Before I get into it I do think this author has talent and skill in terms of technical writing. There was no issue with that. And these stories are definitely meant to be dark and make you think. That was achieved as well. However, there were several instances in the book that I felt were inappropriate.
CW: Discussion of racial slurs, ableist language, incest, suicide.
First, I was a little uncomfortable with one part of the story where it insinuated the white men for the "east" aka the mainland of the USA. I'm Indigenous so this just didn't feel good to me but I decided to keep reading because I try to have an open mind within reason.
In another one of the stories she describes a character who is doesn't have legs as a "cripple." The characters are dark and raunchy so I think this is what she was aiming for but I felt she had already accomplished that without the use of that. At least that is how I interpreted the intended purpose of them sleeping together.
After that story I hesitatingly moved on to the next one because I don't like not finishing a book. I want to be able to give a thorough review to cover every part from start to finish. But after the n-word, with the hard r was used, even with connotation as criticism, I decided it was best for me to DNF because I had gone beyond my threshold and was uncomfortable.
With books that are dark and take on difficult topics, I think there is a way to get into the nitty gritty and show those really awful characters who reflect real life people who say those things or do those things without actually portraying it for the consideration of readers. We are able to fill in the blank of how they would be in the real world. At the end of the day, this just wasn't the book for me and I felt it would be best if I did not continue forward.
CW: Discussion of racial slurs, ableist language, incest, suicide.
First, I was a little uncomfortable with one part of the story where it insinuated the white men for the "east" aka the mainland of the USA. I'm Indigenous so this just didn't feel good to me but I decided to keep reading because I try to have an open mind within reason.
In another one of the stories she describes a character who is doesn't have legs as a "cripple." The characters are dark and raunchy so I think this is what she was aiming for but I felt she had already accomplished that without the use of that.
Spoiler
There is also a part where said disabled character sleeps with his aunt because she wants him to see life is worth living before she commits suicide with her husband.After that story I hesitatingly moved on to the next one because I don't like not finishing a book. I want to be able to give a thorough review to cover every part from start to finish. But after the n-word, with the hard r was used, even with connotation as criticism, I decided it was best for me to DNF because I had gone beyond my threshold and was uncomfortable.
With books that are dark and take on difficult topics, I think there is a way to get into the nitty gritty and show those really awful characters who reflect real life people who say those things or do those things without actually portraying it for the consideration of readers. We are able to fill in the blank of how they would be in the real world. At the end of the day, this just wasn't the book for me and I felt it would be best if I did not continue forward.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Addiction, Ableism, Racial slurs, Sexual content, Suicide attempt, Incest, and Infidelity
Moderate: Suicide, Slavery, War, Death, Child death, Murder, Drug abuse, Rape, Domestic abuse, and Drug use
Minor: Kidnapping, Gun violence, Car accident, Cannibalism, Grief, Suicidal thoughts, Death of parent, Alcohol, Pregnancy, and Animal death
Mention of boarding school.ksbookjunky's review
5.0
This is so unbelievably good! I had never heard of this author before I heard her story on Joe Konrath's blog so I bought her book. And I can tell you I was not disappointed, she is really a good writer.
fictionfan's review
4.0
I've had an odd reaction to this collection twice now. Both times I've liked the first story, House of Skin, and loved the second, The Lipstick Tree. The House of Skin is about a girl whose uncle has full tattoos over his whole body. She develops a kind of love for him as a child which never leaves her, but as she becomes an adult she sees the weaknesses in her aunt's and his marriage. It has a strange and shocking ending.
The Lipstick Tree is a rather wonderful story about a young woman living in a 'primitive' tribe in Papua New Guinea. We see the contrast between her life there and the modern world, as she makes the decision whether to leave, knowing that if she does she will never be accepted back.
The third story, basically about opium addiction, bores me. The fourth story sets out to shock from the beginning... and it's there I stop. I then keep the book on my Kindle for a couple of weeks, before deciding I don't want to go on with it... very strange, and I don't understand why I have this reaction. So again I'm stopping midway, having mostly enjoyed the bit I read, and may come back one day and read the rest. Or I may not...
The Lipstick Tree is a rather wonderful story about a young woman living in a 'primitive' tribe in Papua New Guinea. We see the contrast between her life there and the modern world, as she makes the decision whether to leave, knowing that if she does she will never be accepted back.
The third story, basically about opium addiction, bores me. The fourth story sets out to shock from the beginning... and it's there I stop. I then keep the book on my Kindle for a couple of weeks, before deciding I don't want to go on with it... very strange, and I don't understand why I have this reaction. So again I'm stopping midway, having mostly enjoyed the bit I read, and may come back one day and read the rest. Or I may not...
shannonmcewen's review
3.0
This book was recommended by a blogger I like, and for the most part, the writing itself is solid. But some of the stories veer off into a little too much weirdness for me. Nothing I can be specific about since it's been a few weeks since I read it, and I will admit to not wanting to do the work that it probably required to get a better understanding of it.
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