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mid_reads_books's review against another edition
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? Yes
3.5
In 1978, in small town called Mallard, twins sneak out of their house, hoping to finally leave and see what the rest of the world looks like. But when the girls start building a life of their own in New Orleans, the differences between the two sisters start showing, eventually leading to their separation.
Years later, we discover the aftermath of their decisions, not only for themselves but also for their daughters, as each of them try to make it through this world.
I had expected to really love this book. Generally, I'm a huge fan of multi-generational historical fictions that center around identity, family and love. This book had all that and I also appreciated the trans representation here. The writing was beautiful and the characters were all interesting. The way identity was explored in it really allowed me to think more about my own relationship with the various elements of my identity and I really enjoyed that.
This book started falling short of my expectations a little over halfway through though. At first I really found the vague, detached writing style intriguing because it gave this air of mystery to the story. As it progressed, I had hoped for a more in-depth approach of each characters' thoughts and it didn't happen. For a book that is so centered around the theme of identity, that was a little disappointing.
The book is written in an ominous point of view that makes it easy to switch from one character's focus to another and stylistically, I thought it was a really interesting choice but in terms of execution, it ended up impeding on the book's potential because it ends up being very surface level.
In a way though, it really cemented that feeling of detachment that every character experiences. It helped carry the concept of the "vanishing half", not only as twins growing apart but also characters struggling to fully grasp their own identity as there is always a part of them that they're running from or trying to (re)connect with.
I'd still consider it a nice book despite all and would highly recommend if those themes interest you.
Years later, we discover the aftermath of their decisions, not only for themselves but also for their daughters, as each of them try to make it through this world.
I had expected to really love this book. Generally, I'm a huge fan of multi-generational historical fictions that center around identity, family and love. This book had all that and I also appreciated the trans representation here. The writing was beautiful and the characters were all interesting. The way identity was explored in it really allowed me to think more about my own relationship with the various elements of my identity and I really enjoyed that.
This book started falling short of my expectations a little over halfway through though. At first I really found the vague, detached writing style intriguing because it gave this air of mystery to the story. As it progressed, I had hoped for a more in-depth approach of each characters' thoughts and it didn't happen. For a book that is so centered around the theme of identity, that was a little disappointing.
The book is written in an ominous point of view that makes it easy to switch from one character's focus to another and stylistically, I thought it was a really interesting choice but in terms of execution, it ended up impeding on the book's potential because it ends up being very surface level.
In a way though, it really cemented that feeling of detachment that every character experiences. It helped carry the concept of the "vanishing half", not only as twins growing apart but also characters struggling to fully grasp their own identity as there is always a part of them that they're running from or trying to (re)connect with.
I'd still consider it a nice book despite all and would highly recommend if those themes interest you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
Minor: Ableism, Death, Domestic abuse, Hate crime, and Death of parent
midslibrary's review against another edition
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? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
Moderate: Ableism, Death, Domestic abuse, Hate crime, and Death of parent