navayiota's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Graphic: Rape, Child abuse, Incest, Sexual assault, and Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic relationship
It was alright. I assume it was more original and edgy when it came out but now it's incredibly tame.Spoiler
The sexual assault scenes were very vivid, though.polestick's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault
riversmiith's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Pedophilia, Child abuse, and Rape
bethuuul's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Moderate: Incest and Rape
wildelwrcase's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I think the actual prose was gorgeous and lyrical. I'm not used to reading much poetry, and maybe this is just not a beginners poetry book, but regardless I found the structure fascinating and extremely readable even for a newer reader. It's so very different to pretty much anything I've ever read before, like it's both trying to break the idea of novels and poems at the same time.
I really enjoyed out protagonist Geryon, and following him throughout life was really interesting. I especially love how during his childhood the description and metaphors are slightly more whimsical and large scale, a child scared of this new world, a world that hurts him again and again. But as he ages it becomes more reeled in, and less naïve. I also surprisingly really liked Ancash who provided a fresh perspective on Herakles, which was definitely needed.
I do almost wish that it stuck closer to the myth it was based on, Herakles causing Geryon's demise, though I'm aware that would land us with a very different story, but still interesting to think about.
I was also captured far more than I expected to be by the Intro and ending, both of which center around a largely forgotten Greek poet Stesichoros. It was super interesting historically and thematically, and I'm extremely glad Carson included it.
I will almost certainly return to this book when I am both older, am more educated on poetry, and have more time to really think through it. Regardless a very interesting read, especially if you are into books whose prose push boundaries, poetry, or slightly mind bending coming of age books.
Moderate: Child abuse, Incest, Rape, and Sexual assault
actualtheodoreroosevelt's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
Moderate: Incest and Rape
ella__28's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Rape
serotonone's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Moderate: Rape, Incest, Sexual assault, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Animal death and Sexual content
sophiesticatedselections's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Child abuse, Incest, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Emotional abuse, and Domestic abuse
readerbystarlight's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Minor: Emotional abuse, Rape, Sexual violence, and Toxic relationship