erikam429's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
"I saw myself sitting in the crotch of this fig tree, starving to death, just because I couldn't make up my mind which of the figs I would choose. I wanted each and every one of them, but choosing one meant losing all the rest, and, as I sat there, unable to decide, the figs began to wrinkle and go black, and, one by one, they plopped to the ground at my feet"
the imagery in this book is so incredibly vivid and i think it will stay with me for a long time. it's almost comforting to know that people have been feeling this way for years and years.
the imagery in this book is so incredibly vivid and i think it will stay with me for a long time. it's almost comforting to know that people have been feeling this way for years and years.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt
Minor: Suicide and Racism
basil_stan's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A feminist classic that brought me out of my reading slump. The book develops the flawed character of Esther as she dives deeper into her depression, fuelled by the contemporary double standards and treatment of women. It's witty and the fig tree metaphor was something that really stood out for me. If you're squeamish the final parts of the book may be hard to stomach and I found myself having to put down the book for 5 minutes in between parts, plus the treatment of black characters (while not a major focus of the book) was definitely from an antiquated point of view and was uncomfortable to read in a modern light. Basically a really good book but be aware of those key aspects!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Blood, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: Racism
fer_rizzi02's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt
Minor: Racial slurs
mirandahems's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Beautiful and poetic description of mental illness. Made me reflect and look into some more information about historical mental health treatment.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Vomit
Minor: Racism and Sexual assault
hollybo13's review against another edition
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Sexual assault
maybe_perhaps's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Mental illness, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Antisemitism and Racism
maryamgo9909's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness, Racial slurs, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
strawberrymivvy's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Can't believe I've never read this before...
Despite what I assumed about this book, the first half in particular was a fairly enjoyable read.
An important piece of literary history for sure
Despite what I assumed about this book, the first half in particular was a fairly enjoyable read.
An important piece of literary history for sure
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt
lydia_books's review against another edition
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
booksarebutter's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Sexual assault