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abernathy_33's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, and Racism
Moderate: Child abuse and Antisemitism
Minor: Racial slurs, Sexual content, and War
urbanheron's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I picked up this book second-hand with no prior knowledge apart from the very short blurb on the back of my physical copy. Going into it almost blind was quite the experience! This book really got me thinking about what it means to be complicit, especially when one considers oneself 'neutral'. None of this is laid out explicitly but comes through in the story of the Miltons through the 1930s, 40s and 50s. This book really took me into the mindsets and worlds of the main characters - they all have distinctive perspectives throughout, even when quickly switching between characters in the same scene (no mean feat in the third person).
I did want more of the non-Milton characters, especially Reg Pauling who had the least focus but the most interesting backstory IMO. As the only Black character he really could have played a bigger role. The queer storyline didn't fulfill it potential for me either, especially compared to the attention the equivalent straight romance win the story got. It feels like Blake wanted to include perspectives perhaps outside her experience, but in trying too hard not to overstep they weren't used to their full potential. Overall though I still enjoyed reading this and I kept thinking about the themes for a good week after finishing.
I did want more of the non-Milton characters, especially Reg Pauling who had the least focus but the most interesting backstory IMO. As the only Black character he really could have played a bigger role. The queer storyline didn't fulfill it potential for me either, especially compared to the attention the equivalent straight romance win the story got. It feels like Blake wanted to include perspectives perhaps outside her experience, but in trying too hard not to overstep they weren't used to their full potential. Overall though I still enjoyed reading this and I kept thinking about the themes for a good week after finishing.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death and Antisemitism
Minor: War