Reviews

I read this in one sitting last night, which I didn't expect.

I've now read Freshwater, Pet/Bitter, and this from Emezi- a wide range! I think the combination of what I'd previously read by them and the implied profundity of this title meant the first half was a bit underwhelming. Sort of surface level and without much internal plot propulsion.

The second half I found much more compelling - the reason I ended up not being able to put it down! It gave me a similar impression to Silas Marner by Eliot where the introduction of the MC's true object flips a switch in the plot and pacing (and in You Made, setting). It almost feels like an entirely different book - much richer, deeper, more complex. I trust Emezi enough to feel like this was entirely what they intended. It's unfortunate that the first half was still underwhelming, and I still didn't entirely feel that this lived up to the title ("your beauty" in large part seeming to be in a very literal sense, which I'd hope an author like Emezi would complicate more), but I found especially the second half to be messy, complicated, very fast paced, and more of what I expected.

kkos1022's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

maryv13's review against another edition

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3.0

I overall enjoyed the first 2/3rds of this book but then when Feyi’s relationship starts with Alim some of the conversations they had just really took me out of the story. Like some of the things Feyi said to Alim just felt like a young person talking to an older person, like the way she spoke. I did feel like the book did a great job of showing grief and how to love again but those two getting together made sense in some aspects but other it did not. Overall went with a 3/5 and it’s a low 3 for me.

moonsmistress's review against another edition

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5.0

my grief is mine to hold through life and it feels less lonely to know that others out there have felt similarity. a brilliant book i will recommend to everyone i come in contact with

elisedecuman's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful slow-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? Yes

4.0

illy95's review against another edition

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emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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