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bolaawe's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Ableism, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Homophobia, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Islamophobia, Religious bigotry, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Sexual harassment
minimicropup's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
๐ All of these characters are morally grey and imperfect. They each have their own traumas and prejudice to navigate, and don't alway make wise decisions. It made this story feel all the more real.
๐ The suspense is driven by actions and observations, which worked really well for such a heavy topic. Since we aren't deep in anyones mind other than Zara's, there is mystery surrounding the stated intentions and behaviours of others. We are figuring it all out alongside Zara with a bit more knowledge than she has given the fly-on-the-wall perspectives we gain.
๐ Very show, not tell, so be in the mental space to digest it and check those content warnings. We are shown a believable account of how and why one may inaccurately report a sexual crime, and also how one could place themselves in a situation with high likelihood of a sexual crime occurring, without victim blaming or shaming. The same goes for how we are presented with the experience of prejudice both within and outside of Muslim communities and it hits hard, because it's shown to us as a human experience, not just a Muslim or female one.
๐ I struggle with legal thrillers that have a lot of behind-the-scenes courtroom elements, but this story managed to show the intricacies of the process without being boring or drawn out. We focus mostly on the witness and expert testimonies and spend time outside the court proceedings to see the effects of the case on the characters.
๐คฏ That double twist ๐ฎ
- Gritty legal thriller from the point of view of the accused, accuser, and advocate
- Social commentary about judgement, prejudice, law, religion, sexual violence, bias, and classism/poverty
- Who-is-telling-the-truth dark mystery involving rape accusation
- Realistic contemporary fiction around the Muslim experience in the UK, toxic family, and all the complexities of prosecuting and proving sexual crimes
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Islamophobia, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, and Sexual content
Minor: Ableism
cayleigh's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Misogyny, Rape, and Islamophobia
linyli's review
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Rape, Xenophobia, Islamophobia, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Bullying and Suicidal thoughts
whitneyonline's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Ableism, Alcoholism, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Islamophobia, and Religious bigotry
katrinarose's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Ableism, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Xenophobia, Islamophobia, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Murder, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Homophobia
mikki_9's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Drug abuse, Hate crime, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, Xenophobia, Islamophobia, Grief, Murder, Toxic friendship, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Addiction, Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, and Death of parent
literarylaila's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Child death, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, and Islamophobia
albon's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Ableism, Misogyny, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Islamophobia, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Alcoholism and Bullying
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Death, and Abortion
yunsq's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Ableism, Addiction, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Islamophobia