The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
imaginefishes's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Overall, this is a story about myth and legend set in a real-life historical timeline, where the Indonesian experience of war, decolonialisation, and post-independence is reflected through a variety of characters symbolising these differing themes. My (brief) learning of Indonesian history in school definitely aided in my following of the timeline, and I would recommend readers familiarise themselves with these topics prior to taking on this book. Besides showcasing the overall population-wide experience, the book also depicts the micro-perspective of Dewi Ayu and the tragic fate of her family, which when combined with the humorous choice of phrases used in the book, somehow allows me as the reader not to feel sympathy for them, but rather, view their demise as consequences of their own actions.
Truly, no character in this story is innocent. Crime, immorality, and violence are the bread and butter of the plot, and there are more than necessary descriptions of fecal matter and death. Though, I did not find these descriptions to be overtly vulgar as this diction fits into the overall tone of the book.
I had no clue what this book would be about when I first read it, but I do not regret picking it up.
Graphic: Murder, Sexual assault, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Pregnancy, Sexual violence, Adult/minor relationship, Incest, Sexual content, Gun violence, Misogyny, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Blood, Child death, Death, Genocide, Gore, Rape, Sexism, and Violence
Moderate: Torture, War, Alcohol, Colonisation, Death of parent, Excrement, Abandonment, Alcoholism, Toxic friendship, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Grief and Bullying
shainalite's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Grief, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Police brutality, Racism, Sexual harassment, Slavery, Suicide, Deadnaming, Animal death, Blood, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Death of parent, Excrement, Misogyny, Murder, Sexual assault, Vomit, Body horror, Colonisation, Cursing, Death, Forced institutionalization, Gore, Gun violence, Incest, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Rape, Self harm, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicide attempt, Torture, Violence, and War
thegodfather's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Blood, Child abuse, Child death, Murder, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexism, Suicide, Torture, Animal cruelty, Death of parent, Gore, Grief, Gun violence, Incest, Misogyny, Pregnancy, Rape, Toxic relationship, Violence, Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Classism, Cursing, Death, Genocide, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, and War
liagatha's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Abortion, Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Blood, Body horror, Body shaming, Child death, Colonisation, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Excrement, Genocide, Gore, Incest, Infidelity, Kidnapping, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Racism, Rape, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Vomit, and War