chrliesangel28's review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- 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? No
4.0
This was a hard book to read. They really described what she went through during her time in captivity. It also took time in between to have her tell us about her family, meeting her husband and her child. I do recommend it but know it is rough to read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Rape, and Sexual violence
leslie_overbookedsocialworker's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- 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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Miscarriage, Panic attacks/disorders, Torture, Sexual assault, Gun violence, Kidnapping, Medical trauma, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Injury/injury detail, and Rape
Moderate: Alcohol, Grief, Suicidal thoughts, Pregnancy, Miscarriage, and Eating disorder
katrinky's review against another edition
2.0
Heavy-handed with flowery prose, and I didn't care for the gender politics in her marriage. But the sisterly relationship was perfect, and R.Gay will become a really, really good novelist, I think.
ria_mhrj's review against another edition
3.0
Beautifully brutal, what's described in this book is unthinkable, but Roxane Gay writes honestly and not without hope.
donutlookaway's review against another edition
could not stomach the scenes with miri and her captors.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Violence
Moderate: Cancer, Classism, and Racism
rglossner's review against another edition
5.0
Race, class, sexual violence, PTSD. Tough to read and tough to think about. Mireille was a puzzling character even in what she refers to as 'the before,' with a need to run from her emotions, both love and grief, and to push people away. Her behavior in 'the after' becomes a heightened version of that. We don't really get to understand her.
As many reviewers point out, race is a problematic issue in this novel. Mireille is saved by her (white) mother in law and the love of her (white) husband. What is Gay trying to say? Is this a rejection of Haiti? An embrace of her American-ness? Why is it so troubling that a black woman would choose this? I gave it five stars because. It will be a long time before I stop thinking about the issues raised by this book and the experience it dragged me through.
As many reviewers point out, race is a problematic issue in this novel. Mireille is saved by her (white) mother in law and the love of her (white) husband. What is Gay trying to say? Is this a rejection of Haiti? An embrace of her American-ness? Why is it so troubling that a black woman would choose this? I gave it five stars because. It will be a long time before I stop thinking about the issues raised by this book and the experience it dragged me through.
mfcotter's review against another edition
5.0
Extraordinary. Somehow, Roxane Gay makes a book about a kidnapping, class and race, Haitai, sexual assault, and misguided pride into a stunning read. I honestly can not wait for more from her.
jadahreads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Sexual assault, Torture, Rape, Sexual violence, Emotional abuse, and Confinement
booksarecute's review against another edition
3.0
Triggering. The violence was almost unbearable. Still worth it.