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hafsa08's review against another edition
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
3.5
The pace of this was fast and enjoyable and I liked our cast (although it did get confusing from time to time). The characters are so vivid and I think if went to their town I could pick each of them out (except for Carmela. I do not know who she is.) the ending was quite beautiful and the friendship was beautiful and although I don't feel the immediate need to read the next book I think I'll enjoy it when I do. It reads like a young girl's journal and I love it for that. The portrayal of love both platonic and romantic and familial especially were poignant and felt relatable even to me who has nothing quite like that. I could related to lenú (is this her name??) especially when I recall myself aged 9-13. The only things that kind of surprises me are the portrayal of certain heavy topics. I can't tell if the author is just used to these things or if they're common occurrences for her or for theaom character. Good books oftenake me question if it's the author of just a very well written character speaking.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
mnairi's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault
cedar_tree's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, and Sexual assault
laurenramsden99's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
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
It’s only the first book, but this really does feel like it’s full of life. The details of the characters and of the neighbourhood; you really get to know them and become invested in their stories. The way the author expresses the complexity of friendships especially between young women I have never read so accurately before. I see no reason not to give this 5. The ending in particular was a gorgeous cliffhanger. One that made me scared for our girls’ futures.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Sexual assault
Moderate: Gun violence, Sexual violence, Violence, and Murder
mystericas's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
emercedesrich's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
tense
slow-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? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment
hxcpanda's review against another edition
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Points for the unexpected gay moment at the end but otherwise I didn't think this was the most riveting novel.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault and Violence
juliacoutinho's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Os sentimentos conflitantes entre a Lenu e a Lila são muito comoventes. As duas não sabem, mas elas são as pessoas mais importantes da vida uma da outra e o amor e o ressentimento que as duas sentem uma pela outra é muito humano. Elas são pessoas reais pra mim e eu pude sentir e viver tudo que elas sentiram e viveram ao longo da história. A gente passa o livro inteiro pensando: “Se elas conseguissem ser honestas uma com a outra, tudo seria tão melhor”, mas a vida e o mundo que elas estão inseridas leva elas para caminhos diferentes como uma maré, que te puxa pro mar aberto. Eu gostei muito desse livro e quero ler os próximos logo, já sei que estou diante de uma grande história.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Sexual harassment, and Classism
ambsonline's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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
4.5
Love love love. The writing is beautiful, it really just gripped me. I felt so connected to the characters and the world. The relationship between Elena and Lila is fascinating and captures so much about girl friendships in a really unique way. I feel the book shows and develops so naturally without saying anything explicitly. Obsessed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault
layeredirony's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
such a good book about female friendship and girlhood (and how confusing it is), growing up, with some commentaries as well on social class etc.
i couldnt put the book down once i started reading it. i felt for the characters but i wouldnt say i loved or liked them, but despite that it was a book that was hard to put down. i wanted to read it every chance i got.
i, unfortunately, could relate to a lot of things in the book, and the parts tinged with jealousy or envy hit a little too close to home haha.
this was so good and heartbreaking at the same time huhu
i couldnt put the book down once i started reading it. i felt for the characters but i wouldnt say i loved or liked them, but despite that it was a book that was hard to put down. i wanted to read it every chance i got.
i, unfortunately, could relate to a lot of things in the book, and the parts tinged with jealousy or envy hit a little too close to home haha.
this was so good and heartbreaking at the same time huhu
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault