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bloodmaarked'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? Yes
4.5
✧ full review on my tumblr ✧
Graphic: Bullying, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual content, Slavery, Violence, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Murder, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Blood
Minor: Cursing and Pregnancy
rayofhope's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I think it's important to acknowledge that this is the kind of book that feels "important." It's telling stories of marginalized people, set during a part of history that doesn't often get taught in-depth in the United States. I'm certain many beautiful and engaging essays could, and will, be written about it.
And also, the characters just kick ass!
I fell in love with Gbessa, Norman, and June-Dey as soon as they were introduced. Each of them had such unique backgrounds and upbringings from each other, and the way they fell into each other's lives and fought against oppressive forces was so wonderful to watch. I don't often imagine things when I read, but the scenes of Norman and June-Dey fighting to protect people were vivid and epic action scenes in my mind. These three felt like superheroes, and I have an urge to draw them in formation as if they were on the cover of a comic book.
I enjoyed the way the book was formatted, with their three stories happening in separate countries, seemingly so unrelated, but tied together by the voice of the wind, June-Dey's mother. I also appreciated the nuanced way everything was handled: the formation of Liberia and the conflict with the indigenous peoples and everything. The way it's clear that the Black Americans needed to escape America, and also the ways in which they brought the oppressive society with them. The joy that Gbessa found when she was taken in by Liberians, and also the sorrow she feels for changing. It touched on a lot of very difficult and human themes. Every decision made was understandable. And every decision had consequences.
I would recommend this book to truly anybody. It's exciting, it's magical, it's terrifying, it's complex.
Graphic: Gun violence, Racism, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Sexual assault
aweekinthelife'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? It's complicated
4.0
the book weaves between more fantastical and more realistic moments seamlessly and the realistic fantasy fits the narrative well. one of those books where you might be a little confused in the beginning and it takes some time to figure out the relationships between the main characters, although it doesn't quite weave together as solidly as my general book preference.
Graphic: Slavery and Colonisation
Moderate: Violence and War
olulelule's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Sexual content
bookreviewswithkb's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Slavery, and Violence
solenekeleroux'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 death, Death, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual assault, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Trafficking, Murder, and Colonisation
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, and War
fionaengelson's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Physical abuse and Slavery
Moderate: Gun violence, Racism, Violence, and War
Minor: Sexual content
treesnpeace's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Sexual violence, Slavery, Violence, and War
tlaynejones's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Racism, Sexism, Slavery, Violence, and Colonisation
kathryn_saulinas's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
3.5
Moderate: Slavery, Violence, and War