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syds_shelves's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I don't see my extended family anymore. The last time I saw them was at my great great grandmother's funeral 3 years ago and before that, it had been more than ten years. This book reminded me of the best and worst of them. People can be complex and sifting through the feelings and pain isn't always clean, but with books it can be. This book reminded me of every conversation I would try and piece together through mumbles I heard through closed bedroom doors. It reminded me of every time I would be dismissed outside or to a different room so "grown folks" could talk. It reminded me of the best and the worst of the people I've loved who share blood with me and who I don't see anymore. With that, I already had a sandwich made of sympathy and tender feelings towards each character, and I didn't think it could grow until it turned into a triple-decker. I hate the limitations of this book - I want volumes and paragraphs about each of these people. I need to know that they're going to be okay. I need them to be okay. I also know that the snippets of life in this book is what makes it so special. They exist within each other's stories and in the pages, and that's it. Anything more might ruin the magic of the stories. But fuck, do I want more. I can't think of a short story collection (I don't read many for this very reason) other than Brandon Taylor's Filthy Animals that managed to pain a complete picture of characters and life for me, and Brewster was far more impactful for me than the former (and I love Brandon Taylor). I was comparing this to other "tales of misery" books - Homegoing, There, There, A little Life... I think this blows those out of the water in terms of the hopefulness. Maybe everything turns out okay. Maybe these women will still always have each other. This, unlike the others, leaves the ending open. It keeps you from the edge of truly knowing. And I think that's a kindness, even though I want more. This is so good. It is so much. I love it so much. Wow.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, and Abandonment