mattyvreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
The story is equal parts horror and mystery and fairytale, while deeply rooted in a grounded reality. This book was strangely moving in parts. I soaked up every word. Enthralling and rich, with beautiful prose. I was absolutely captivated.
One of the most successful parts of the book is how the author uses memory: repression, revelation, unreliability, omission. We read about the narrator’s story in great detail, but never know his name. It’s not important. In the prologue, the narrator is leaving a funeral. He knows whose funeral it is, but we don’t have it. It’s not important for us to know.
The story is thought provoking and wonderful. Time will tell if it will become as big of a classic as “Coraline.” I do hope it does.
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, and Suicide
Moderate: Sexual content and Infidelity
Minor: Animal death
nicolinebl's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Death, Violence, Child abuse, Body horror, and Child death
Moderate: Animal death, Animal cruelty, Injury/Injury detail, Gore, Murder, Physical abuse, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Infidelity and Gaslighting
bookwormabby54's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Graphic: Child abuse and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death
Minor: Infidelity
jhabelita's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
2.0
Then, *poof! it became coco crunch!* 😂 nagpalaboy laboy na yung imagination ko towards the end of the book. I agree to some reviews that it could've been shorter na lang sana. Kasi parang kinaladkad nalang ni Neil yung story hanggang sa naging kala-kalamay na sya (for me).
Overall, I think magical realism genre is not my cup of tea.
Graphic: Child abuse and Infidelity
reads2cope's review against another edition
2.5
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Grief, Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, and Suicide
Moderate: Gore, Bullying, Animal death, Child abuse, Abandonment, Sexual content, and Infidelity
Minor: Death of parent
alucaflos's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Child abuse and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Infidelity and Suicide
alisonfaith426's review against another edition
3.0
Graphic: Death and Child abuse
Moderate: Sexual content and Infidelity
Minor: Animal death
itsjoenna's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Body horror, and Death
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Sexual content
hullomoon's review against another edition
3.5
Graphic: Gaslighting and Suicide
Moderate: Child abuse, Animal death, and Infidelity
mrnicholas's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Infidelity and Suicidal thoughts