mgudaval's review
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Racism and Murder
justbkathleen's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Sexual assault, Murder, Child abuse, Sexual harassment, Racism, and Rape
monalyisha's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Do I still think the morality is complex, and, perhaps, questionable? I do. But in this compulsively-readable, fictional tale of peri- and postmenopausal women coming into their powers and using them to bring male abusers and serial killers down, I barely flinched.
At first, I was worried that one of the three main characters is a black woman, written by a white woman. But I think it’s done (mostly if not totally) sensitively and that it serves both the story and a deepening sense of social conscience and consciousness. I trust Miller did her research and had readers checking her. There’s one instance of food-shaming that I thought struck an odd chord. That noted, I’m now free to crow my praise.
This book was a BLAST to read! I didn’t want to put it down! The cast of characters is sharp and lively. Miller’s sense of wicked humor is a joy. And her overall message, that real magic lies in finding connection: connection to yourself, to friends and a community, and to nature, comes across clearly — as well as her darker but realistic message that sometimes, you have to burn it all down to rebuild something cleansed and purified from the ashes.
As far as the mystery, I can’t say sussing out the details was a challenge. I saw what was coming from a mile away (and I’m not psychic, just paying attention). That being said, I’m not a reader who *needs* a good mystery, so having foresight about the plot ruined nothing. And, I think the “twist” was a necessary one — in terms of showing how blame and responsibility can be shared and shouldered by unexpected parties (especially when race and class are factors).
Moderate: Sexual assault, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Child death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Murder, Pedophilia, Racism, Classism, and Gaslighting
clhtdr's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Sexual assault, Rape, Sexual violence, Trafficking, Misogyny, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, Racism, Child abuse, Death of parent, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Eating disorder
bedtimesandbooks's review
- 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
Graphic: Alcohol, Addiction, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Kidnapping, Trafficking, Toxic relationship, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Sexism, Racism, Police brutality, Murder, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Classism, Alcoholism, Blood, Car accident, Death of parent, Drug use, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Miscarriage
Minor: Eating disorder