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blacksphinx's review against another edition
sad
tense
slow-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
3.5
This extremely slow-paced gothic fantasy kept my attention the entire time. I am curious of how the overall story will turn out, and I do care about some of the characters.
But I cannot in good consciousness recommend it to anyone due to an important character being an offensive Magical Negro trope. I know this book is 20 years old, but at NO point did the author ever stop and go, "maybe describing the only Black character in my story as smelling like human feces every time she appears is offensive?" She has mystical powers that are considered immoral by the other characters! She speaks in broken english like a minstrel show character! Her hair is described as being tangled and dirty! She walks around topless and seduces a white man, promising to teach him magic in exchange for having sex with her! It's really bad.
But I cannot in good consciousness recommend it to anyone due to an important character being an offensive Magical Negro trope. I know this book is 20 years old, but at NO point did the author ever stop and go, "maybe describing the only Black character in my story as smelling like human feces every time she appears is offensive?" She has mystical powers that are considered immoral by the other characters! She speaks in broken english like a minstrel show character! Her hair is described as being tangled and dirty! She walks around topless and seduces a white man, promising to teach him magic in exchange for having sex with her! It's really bad.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death of parent, Abandonment, Racism, Child death, Grief, Suicide, Death, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Misogyny, Homophobia, Sexual content, Pandemic/Epidemic, Bullying, and Sexism
Minor: Pedophilia, War, Xenophobia, and Blood
cursedepub's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This is my first 5-star read of 2021! The Bone Doll's Twin has some of the most emotionally-compelling writing I have ever read, without falling into the trap of overly-lavish purple prose; add to that a complex, fascinating world, a delicate and truthful exploration of childhood trauma, an incredible cast of characters, all with their own depth, and a feminist, post-colonial critique of the setting and typical conventions of the genre, and you have genuine gem of a fantasy novel. I was incredibly engrossed in this book - reading it felt like enjoying a rich, decadent slice of cake, right up to wanting another one right after. And as a horror fan, I was enamored by the gothic, ghostly elements taking center stage in the setting and character building.
The Bone Doll's Twin is told from rotating perspectives, giving the reader a uniquely detailed and three-dimensional view into the many moving parts of this world and story. I love a strong ensemble cast - the fact that we get a glimpse into nearly everyone's point of view, history, and motivations is one of the reasons I love this book. I also enjoyed how every character has regrets, flaws, and/or dark secrets, including our heroes, which I far prefer over wholly good characters. A testament to the strength of the writing is that there is no big plot twist or reveal for us readers, as the rotating perspective gives us pretty much everything, and yet this does nothing to lessen the tension and suspense of the novel. I had to stop and catch my breath after finishing it!
As much as I loved this book, I have to give the following caveats: As a transgender man, I am not 100% on the gender story being told regarding Tobin. It may have been more powerful if Tobin were straightforwardly a trans woman, rather than someone whose biologically female body is hidden under a biologically male body through magic, but it's a very bold move to make for the early 2000s. I also appreciate how there is a LGBT presence in the books, although the setting is not exempt from homophobia, and there is a pedophile gay stereotype character.
The Bone Doll's Twin is told from rotating perspectives, giving the reader a uniquely detailed and three-dimensional view into the many moving parts of this world and story. I love a strong ensemble cast - the fact that we get a glimpse into nearly everyone's point of view, history, and motivations is one of the reasons I love this book. I also enjoyed how every character has regrets, flaws, and/or dark secrets, including our heroes, which I far prefer over wholly good characters. A testament to the strength of the writing is that there is no big plot twist or reveal for us readers, as the rotating perspective gives us pretty much everything, and yet this does nothing to lessen the tension and suspense of the novel. I had to stop and catch my breath after finishing it!
As much as I loved this book, I have to give the following caveats: As a transgender man, I am not 100% on the gender story being told regarding Tobin. It may have been more powerful if Tobin were straightforwardly a trans woman, rather than someone whose biologically female body is hidden under a biologically male body through magic, but it's a very bold move to make for the early 2000s. I also appreciate how there is a LGBT presence in the books, although the setting is not exempt from homophobia, and there is a pedophile gay stereotype character.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Child abuse, Death of parent, Grief, Homophobia, Medical content, Racism, Sexual content, Suicide, Violence, and Child death
Moderate: Pedophilia, Misogyny, and Alcoholism
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