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nightjar656's review
3.5
3.5 stars, rounded down
When I saw that this was historical fiction with ace rep and a qpr in it, I was pretty much immediately excited. It lived up to the hype on some of those things but I feel like it fell short with a couple others.
To start off, a couple things I liked: I loved the ace rep in this! In general, Asta is an absurdly loveable character and I was really invested in her- she was definitely my favorite out of the main cast. Her exploration of her identity was something that really hit home a few times and I really love that aspect of her character. Also, the found family in this is great- the interactions between the three as their bonds strengthen are really good and I was really invested in their little family. A lot of the side characters were really interesting, like Oskar, and Fred was an amazing guy overall. The conflict of conformity v individualism and them going against the norms of the town and the lives that they’re supposed to lead was fun to read, I’m always a big fan of stuff like that.
The things I didn’t like: I feel like this could’ve really benefited from a Gunner POV. Not knowing what’s inside gunner’s head was almost frustrating at times, as we saw conflict through Erland and Asta but we didn’t get that extra layer of depth with Gunner. In addition, I felt that there were a few pacing issues and it felt like some conflict was just kind of brushed over and never addressed (the most noteable example being when Erland and Asta fight and he says she’ll never understand Gunnar like he does, and it’s just never addressed again), likely due to time skips. Lastly, I personally wasn’t a huge fan of the ending- it made sense and I didn’t hate it but it felt like things were wrapped up a little too neatly? But I wouldn’t say that it’s an awful ending, it’s just kind of ok.
This was pretty good overall, but I doubt I’ll revisit it.
When I saw that this was historical fiction with ace rep and a qpr in it, I was pretty much immediately excited. It lived up to the hype on some of those things but I feel like it fell short with a couple others.
To start off, a couple things I liked: I loved the ace rep in this! In general, Asta is an absurdly loveable character and I was really invested in her- she was definitely my favorite out of the main cast. Her exploration of her identity was something that really hit home a few times and I really love that aspect of her character. Also, the found family in this is great- the interactions between the three as their bonds strengthen are really good and I was really invested in their little family. A lot of the side characters were really interesting, like Oskar, and Fred was an amazing guy overall. The conflict of conformity v individualism and them going against the norms of the town and the lives that they’re supposed to lead was fun to read, I’m always a big fan of stuff like that.
The things I didn’t like: I feel like this could’ve really benefited from a Gunner POV. Not knowing what’s inside gunner’s head was almost frustrating at times, as we saw conflict through Erland and Asta but we didn’t get that extra layer of depth with Gunner. In addition, I felt that there were a few pacing issues and it felt like some conflict was just kind of brushed over and never addressed (the most noteable example being when Erland and Asta fight and he says she’ll never understand Gunnar like he does, and it’s just never addressed again), likely due to time skips. Lastly, I personally wasn’t a huge fan of the ending- it made sense and I didn’t hate it but it felt like things were wrapped up a little too neatly? But I wouldn’t say that it’s an awful ending, it’s just kind of ok.
This was pretty good overall, but I doubt I’ll revisit it.
tiredreader51's review
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-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
4.75
This was an amazing book! I was looking up books with ace rep and qpr rep and this book just kept coming up for so many things! I finally read it this week after having it on my list for like eight months, my only regret is that I hadn't read it sooner(:
I would recommend to everyone but especially aro/ace, queer, deaf, or anxious people.
I wish they had gone into Erlend's anxiety more but I still felt seen by Fuglestad. Happy reading!
I would recommend to everyone but especially aro/ace, queer, deaf, or anxious people.
I wish they had gone into Erlend's anxiety more but I still felt seen by Fuglestad. Happy reading!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Moderate: Bullying and Acephobia/Arophobia
Minor: Sexual content
carolined314's review
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A story of queer, found family in 1904, with lots of learning to love one's self despite all kinds of flaws and faults.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Violence
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Xenophobia, Grief, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Car accident, and Death of parent
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
wylan56's review
hopeful
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
4.75
13anna17's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
3.25
marytucker's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
sk21's review
3.0
It was a fine story and it had a nice ending. But……It Was a verry slow starting book. You hear a lot about the main characters being different. Also some parts I had the feeling were not really necessary. And to me The epilogue could have bin longer.