linnybear's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
4.5
One of the best books I’ve read since a while. I set up my own expectations towards it pretty high based on the reviews and I was certainly not disappointed. Although throughout the entire book we read about sufferings of entire nation the writing and very short chapters make it so much more digestible to get through. Personally, I love almost lyrical style of the author and the way narration just flows naturally. The characters are lovable, each in their own little ways, and especially Cristian as a main character stay very authentic in his thoughts throughout the entire story.
Even though in the end I hoped for more depth of the plot and descriptions of daily lives in the oppressive system I think the way it was described was just enough from the main character’s point of view at 17 years old. The last few chapters gave just the perfect closure to the entire story and made me want to read more books of that specific genre (and definitely more of Ruta Sepetys’ books!).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Torture, War, Police brutality, Injury/injury detail, Stalking, and Confinement
Minor: Sexism and Murder
iris_bookmonster's review
dark
informative
tense
medium-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide, Physical abuse, and Torture
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Sexism
unforgivenparrot58's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Forced institutionalization, Blood, Animal cruelty, Cancer, Classism, Death, Gaslighting, and Violence
Moderate: Genocide, Gore, Police brutality, Physical abuse, Murder, Mass/school shootings, Injury/injury detail, Gun violence, and Grief
Minor: Excrement, Torture, Sexism, and Pregnancy
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