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jameslyons's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-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
Great cast of characters and a touching depiction of growing up queer (sans homophobic pressure*) in small-town country Australia, mixed in with two gripping mysteries. I didn't want to leave Goodwood when the book ended and it'll stay with me for a long time.
*VERY notably, this book is in part a queer coming of age story where homophobia and/or coming out DON'T play a pivotal role -- they're not mentioned at all, and it is so refreshing.
*VERY notably, this book is in part a queer coming of age story where homophobia and/or coming out DON'T play a pivotal role -- they're not mentioned at all, and it is so refreshing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal death, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Infertility, Mental illness, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Dementia, Grief, Car accident, and Death of parent
A queer main character, and homophobia NOT a defining plot point! Fewf!