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kirkspockreads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Homophobia, Pedophilia, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, and Dementia
competencefantasy's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-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
4.75
It's immediately obvious that this ( Deesha Philyaw ) is immensely skilled at the short story form in general and cultural imagery in particular. For example, I simultaneously will never look at peach cobbler again and have been craving it for a week. When that same imagery popped up in a later story, the part of me that love structural connections was out of my seat cheering. This is a very sexual work, focusing not just on the particular couple but on the societal ripples that come out from the breaking of sexual norms. There's also a focus on family, both found and born, and how that changes and adapts. I'm not sure how I feel about the juxtaposition of LGBT+ and sleeping with people who are unfaithful to their partners, which seems kind of unavoidable given what big themes they are, but still is something I'm going to need to sit with for a bit. Overall, it's great. Give it a try
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Infidelity, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
birdbrainbooks's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I love when I enjoy a short story collection, because they’re very hit or miss for me. This was a solid hit and a must-read for everyone. I eagerly look forward to more from Philyaw—she is a phenomenal writer. She uses very specific details to paint a complete picture of who someone is and where they’re from. I love short story collections that have a uniting theme, and here it’s looking into the private spaces that Black women find to explore their desires and needs, while grappling with the societal and religious expectations often thrust upon them. It’s a quick read too, so you have no excuse to not pick it up.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity and Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia and Toxic relationship
Minor: Alcoholism
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