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bookishkellyn's review against another edition
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This is the first anthology where I’ve enjoyed every single story. This is a well-written collection that really hits home if you’re Jamaican (or Black Caribbean). → A friendship with a white-washed Black girl. A man compares himself to his estranged twin brother. The drownings of twin girls who loved mermaids. A mother sends her daughter back home to reset behaviors. A lesbian at a “straight wedding” reflects on life changes. A boy reminisces about his late grandmother. A college girl on an international track scholarship. A married immigrant harbors a secret. Acquaintances reconnect on Facebook. Daughters express their mixed emotions about their mothers. A Rihanna-like star dwells on her trials and tribulations.
Graphic: Infidelity and Grief
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Drug use, Homophobia, Mental illness, Misogyny, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Minor: Cancer, Domestic abuse, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Suicide, Blood, Excrement, Abortion, and Pregnancy
kathyreadsalot's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- 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? It's complicated
4.5
As a Jamaican, I’m always on the lookout for contemporary fiction written by Jamaicans about Jamaicans. This is not disappoint. I enjoy short stories and vignettes which is what this book gave - very real and nuanced snippets into the lives of people that I might as well have been related to. Extremely well written and enjoyable, Arthurs spends time exploring mother-daughter relationships, the dynamics of migration on a family, the often complex family dynamics, and exploration of idenity outside of what is considered normal and acceptable by Jamaican standards. Loved the inclusion of some LGBTQ+ characters and stories too. A well rounded collection. My only gripe is I wish they had some Jamaican narrators for this audiobook!! The accents were not great.
Moderate: Biphobia, Infidelity, Miscarriage, and Lesbophobia
Minor: Drug use, Eating disorder, and Emotional abuse
hilarylouise's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Minor: Death, Drug use, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Racism, Sexual content, Violence, and Grief
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