Reviews with content warning for Xenophobia - Дом в лазурном море

I didn't find myself in invested in the plot or characters, some parts just seemed so predictable.

Felt weird knowing this was based on residential schools, with how horrific we knew those were.

Content Warnings

dirtyitch's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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? N/A

3.75

Content Warnings

goldenglitterydusk's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted sad fast-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

4.0

Content Warnings

twistykris's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Content Warnings

cjackboox's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing sad tense 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

oatmilktea's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book is like a cup of hot chocolate: there is some bitterness, but just enough to make you appreciate that it’s mostly warm and sweet and comforting.

I loved the characters and the exploration of the bonds that exist and form between them. To me it was all about discovering what it means to love and be loved, and by that I don’t even mean the romance part of the story. The House in the Cerulean Sea also focuses on otherness and being othered by society.

This book is rather simply written, but it has wit and charm. It’s also rather predictable, especially where character development is concerned, but to me that doesn’t take away from the positives, of which there are many.

I have almost no notes on this. Aside from what I’ve already praised, I found this book to be actually funny, as in, I had to chuckle many times, which is rare for me (usually, supposedly “hilarious” books are not funny to me at all). The House in the Cerulean Sea made me laugh as well as tear up, and my heart is still melting when I think about Chauncey and his dream occupation.

The only thing that I personally would have changed is the epilogue. I think that it didn’t need half of what was in there, especially a romance thrown in at the very end without being hinted at at all in the story, as far as remember. But it’s only the epiloque, and I can choose to ignore what I didn’t like about it.

Overall, this is a new favourite for me.

Content Warnings

mer_randa's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny inspiring mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

Content Warnings

fierygecko's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

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

Linus Baker begins this book as a painfully normal man with a relatively open mind who works a bland job and is attempting a diet. This book made me love him by the end. Every character in this story is unique, and many of them are lovable (or rightfully hate-able). This book is wordy, and can be repetitive, but I think at times it’s an effective way to show the reader Linus’ anxiety-ridden thought process. Linus’ obsession with his diet, and his conviction to follow the rules did bother me at the beginning, but by the end I understood why they were so important to mention. I found this story hopeful and fun, despite its darker subjects and the horrible realities Linus faces. He faces them with a good heart and a growing confidence, which is really satisfying to witness. It is also narrated with enthusiasm and a plethora of character voices that really bring the island to life.

Content Warnings

More...