magalis's review against another edition
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- 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? No
2.5
I expected to like this book much more than I did. I thought there was a good story somewhere in there, but it got bogged down in too many storylines and characters, and too much purple prose. I appreciated the extensive historical research that Mengiste clearly did for this, and the parallels and references to the Iliad were well constructed. I wanted there to be more to the characters and to the story though. For a 450 page long book, not a lot happens! I really liked Hirut as a character, but thought she got lost after the introduction of Ettore. I enjoyed the sub-plot following the Emperor and his deteriorating mental state, but didn't feel like his story was very fleshed-out. In the end, I found this a slog to get through and I found it difficult to connect with any of the characters and feel emotionally invested in the outcome of their stories.
Content warnings for rape and pedophilia (child brides in their early-teens).
Content warnings for rape and pedophilia (child brides in their early-teens).
Graphic: Pedophilia, Rape, and Death
Minor: Mental illness, Child death, Death of parent, Infidelity, and Misogyny
zoes_human's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
4.0
A beautifully written story of Ethiopia's fight against Mussolini's invasion. It is brutal and heartbreaking, but I don't think the truth of war can be told in any other way.
Graphic: Rape, Sexual content, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Adult/minor relationship, Toxic relationship, Sexual violence, Violence, and War
Minor: Antisemitism, Child abuse, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Murder, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Colonisation, Emotional abuse, Death, Infidelity, and Injury/Injury detail
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