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emoryscott's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
4.25
I read this book in a day. I was shocked to see the wide variety of reviews. I really enjoyed this read. The simplicity of the writing was powerful. Like another reviewer mentioned, the first rapid switch from calm inner dialogue to detailed violence was shocking, but it also drew me in. I became invested in what the main character was experiencing. I empathized with him, in part, because of the way his traumas were explained. The reader has no choice but to face it with him.
The characters are complex, and the ending leaves much for the reader to fill in. However, I didn’t find that to be irritating. I like a little bit of ambiguity though. Sometimes it helps to let your mind continue writing the characters’ stories.
The characters are complex, and the ending leaves much for the reader to fill in. However, I didn’t find that to be irritating. I like a little bit of ambiguity though. Sometimes it helps to let your mind continue writing the characters’ stories.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Hate crime, Homophobia, Infertility, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Kidnapping, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Outing, Alcohol, War, and Injury/Injury detail
dania_'s review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
as an Iraqi, I was excited to find a queer novel set in Baghdad. I found the surrealist aspects surprising but compelling, but the writing and story as a whole was pretty choppy. I would've liked to see some personality and development of our main characters but everything felt pretty vague. I don't regret reading it, but I would love to see something more substantial about LGBT+ people set in Iraq. Also, I'm sure this isn't a problem for everyone but this book does not really have any happy moments. Things feel like they get worse and worse for our characters with no hope in sight. Realistic, maybe, but not exactly my cup of tea.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Homophobia, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicide, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Religious bigotry