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jainabee's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Not an easy or light read, yet strangely beautiful and even darkly hilarious in places. The final twist—knowing that the characters were very fictionalized versions of her family— seemed like a vicious cackle to all that had ever tormented the author. It feels like an exorcism and a victory dance!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Child death, Chronic illness, Mental illness, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Medical trauma, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Fire/Fire injury, Dysphoria, and Classism
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Misogyny, Medical content, Dementia, and Alcohol
Minor: Terminal illness and Death of parent
Inspired by Janet Frame's family and her experiences in mental institutions. Not factual, but very accurate emotionally.nicoleisalwaysreading's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
interesting back and forth between different family perspectives and stream-of-consciousness narration. brutal in its inspection of mental illness and institutionalization. truly funny at times! someone else in my life please read this so we can discuss!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Forced institutionalization, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Fire/Fire injury