veraspacewalker's review
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Having just freshly finished this, it's difficult to convey my feelings for this book. The writing is fantastic, Baldwin continues to not disappoint on that front.
Although I can objectively see the likeness and greatness of this book, I can't say that I loved it in a subjective way.
In a way I think of Emerson's words: "neither can any artist entirely exclude (...) the perishable from his book, or write a book of pure thought, that shall be as efficient, in all respects,to a remote posteriority". The never-subtle misonygy and xenophobia is sometimes, but never quite challenged enough, which leaves a sour taste by the end.
I think I'm realizing that I have a hard time finding morally grey characters loveable, but I can't be sure if David can be labelled as such. The characters are incredibly well-rounded (maybe not Hella so much, idk) but never quite loveable, despite knowing where their actions stem from.
Although I can objectively see the likeness and greatness of this book, I can't say that I loved it in a subjective way.
In a way I think of Emerson's words: "neither can any artist entirely exclude (...) the perishable from his book, or write a book of pure thought, that shall be as efficient, in all respects,to a remote posteriority". The never-subtle misonygy and xenophobia is sometimes, but never quite challenged enough, which leaves a sour taste by the end.
I think I'm realizing that I have a hard time finding morally grey characters loveable, but I can't be sure if David can be labelled as such. The characters are incredibly well-rounded (maybe not Hella so much, idk) but never quite loveable, despite knowing where their actions stem from.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Xenophobia, Transphobia, Misogyny, and Biphobia
helliepad's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Gay people are so... how you say... gay.
This was a book from my book club's reading list that I didn't get around to reading last year because of school and whatnot but the fact that I breezed through it in a few hours but also left me just as harrowed and touched by the previous fiction I just read is amazing. I love reading good works.
This is the first James Baldwin work I've read. The human condition and raw feelings explored during this book was so intense- it could just as easily be read and acted out in the spacecraft dramas of the future than it was written in the time it was. It's great I can't wait to read more
This was a book from my book club's reading list that I didn't get around to reading last year because of school and whatnot but the fact that I breezed through it in a few hours but also left me just as harrowed and touched by the previous fiction I just read is amazing. I love reading good works.
This is the first James Baldwin work I've read. The human condition and raw feelings explored during this book was so intense- it could just as easily be read and acted out in the spacecraft dramas of the future than it was written in the time it was. It's great I can't wait to read more
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Biphobia
astridmalmhester's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Homophobia
Moderate: Alcoholism
Minor: Biphobia
strawberrytheauthor's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I honestly loved this book and I’ve been wanting to read it for a while! I finished it in about 3 days as an audiobook.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Murder, Child death, Homophobia, Toxic relationship, Death, Grief, Alcohol, Alcoholism, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Biphobia
frillyflutee's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Biphobia, Suicidal thoughts, and Alcoholism
littleforestway's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Biphobia, Child death, Cursing, Death, Grief, Homophobia, Infidelity, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, and Violence
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