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shieldbearer's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
this is a classic for a reason, and out of all the Westerns I've read so far it's probably my favorite. Maddie has such a strong voice and describes the landscape and events so vividly. That said, it's still a product of its time, and as much as I liked the book, there are certain themes or elements I wish had been handled with more care and nuance. The offhanded reference to residential schools being a GOOD thing turned my stomach. I have complicated feelings around Rooster's narrative treatment and the almost casual way his brutality and his Confederate past is treated.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Fatphobia, Genocide, Gore, Gun violence, Misogyny, Racism, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, Colonisation, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Slavery and War
jmtinsd_58's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
4.75
The violence was jarring. Mattie Ross is an unbelievable spunky character. Wonderful portrayal of the roughness of life on the frontier.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Cursing, Gore, Gun violence, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, and Murder
Cliff hanger ending