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ken_untitled's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
daizie's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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
3.75
The lyricism in the writing is incredible, but I wasn't entirely convinced of the plot/character development of Bekim's story... The last third didn't seem very cohesive with the rest of the book, but I did appreciate the author's strong grip on elucidating very difficult concepts.
ripaustaikaa's review against another edition
Viha-rakkaussuhde tähän, ei mitään hajua, montako tähteä antaisin
dawndeydusk's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
3.75
Although slightly disjointed in some parts, this book navigates a variety of topics: xenophobia, homophobia, loneliness, war, assimilation...it's a heavy one. It is rare that I ever see Bulgaria mentioned anywhere in print or other media in the West. The emotion that erupts from just seeing the name printed is just a fragment of the emotion poured into this novel. It navigates a fine line between the allegorical, symbolic, and literal.
kukkaruukku's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
andy_acid's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.5
The book became much more coherent and smooth after the initial awkwardness. Upon closer inspection, the book also employs a lot of symbolism, not to mention it strongly exudes allegory. Although, I must say, his portrayal of the homophobic cat-man (?) hanging around in gay bars seems highly suspicious. Also, the mother's story and the son's story don't really complement each other thematically. I was also unconvinced why the protagonist would think about his father so much after his death, given their disconnected relationship for ages, and his father not being involved with him and his siblings for a long time.
matmatmatty's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.5
This is a bit of a strange book, I do need to start with that.
But the stories that it tells are so important.
This covers a wide variety of topics - gender expectations/roles, racism and xenophobia, war and the ways it can change lives, toxic relationships both romantic and familial, and tonnes more. And from the perspective of two different people - a mother and her son.
I loved the character of Emine - there were points where my heart bled for her and I wanted to jump into the story and save her. Her story, from growing up as a young girl with her father, to living alone in Finland and slowly but surely rebuilding her life the way she wants, it is wonderful to see.
Bekim, on the other hand, was very different. Some of his actions confused me (but I imagine there were a few metaphors that went over my head and potentially some context that I'm missing) but overall I could relate to him - as a person of colour who grew up in the UK, I experienced a lot of what he did. I just had the fact I was born here to protect him, which he didn't.
If you are a fan of complex stories, I would absolutely recommend this (but absolutely check out the TW, One scene in particular made me needing to take a break from listening to this.)
But the stories that it tells are so important.
This covers a wide variety of topics - gender expectations/roles, racism and xenophobia, war and the ways it can change lives, toxic relationships both romantic and familial, and tonnes more. And from the perspective of two different people - a mother and her son.
I loved the character of Emine - there were points where my heart bled for her and I wanted to jump into the story and save her. Her story, from growing up as a young girl with her father, to living alone in Finland and slowly but surely rebuilding her life the way she wants, it is wonderful to see.
Bekim, on the other hand, was very different. Some of his actions confused me (but I imagine there were a few metaphors that went over my head and potentially some context that I'm missing) but overall I could relate to him - as a person of colour who grew up in the UK, I experienced a lot of what he did. I just had the fact I was born here to protect him, which he didn't.
If you are a fan of complex stories, I would absolutely recommend this (but absolutely check out the TW, One scene in particular made me needing to take a break from listening to this.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Domestic abuse, Sexual violence, Suicide, Violence, and Xenophobia
bookgardendc's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
gertrudski's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Racism