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jaygabler's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Extraordinarily ambitious, a sprawling and multilayered text that’s challenging to access if you’re not familiar with Saudi Arabia. For me, the concept ran ahead of the characters - but that’s also, at least in part, the point. These characters are straining to find footing for their actions and beliefs in a mutable, contended arena where they’re often swept along by forces outside their control. That’s frustrating for them, but also for the reader.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
Moderate: Animal death
samgoodson's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
hongjoongie's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
- 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
3.0
sadi9954's review against another edition
4.0
Why so much magical realism in a novel about Saudi-U.S. commerce?
yawningtiger's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
beatriss's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
rozereads's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Pretty complex and I didn't always understand what was happening. Still felt pulled through the book to read its conclusion.
jessicagm's review against another edition
4.0
Wow. I picked this up on a whim not expecting to be floored at all, but this was amazing. What an interesting concept and so well executed. This is a really complex read, I admittedly had to look up the meaning of a word at least once per page, and to be honest I did not understand a lot of the references (especially political ones) but I don’t think that took away from my ability to appreciate the story. The plot was fast paced and kind of messy, but I found it quite easy to follow still. I don’t feel like I’m smart enough to properly review this but I just loved it. So so intriguing
kaiyakaiyo's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Hate crime, Homophobia, and Murder
Moderate: Animal death, Child death, Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Minor: Racism, Terminal illness, Islamophobia, and Outing
xolobooks's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Animal death, Child death, Death, Homophobia, Dementia, Murder, and Alcohol