rather_b_reading's review against another edition
Graphic: Child abuse, Sexual assault, and Sexual content
Moderate: Rape, Child death, Terminal illness, and Pregnancy
Minor: Suicide attempt and Suicidal thoughts
nagev's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Child death, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual violence, Sexual content, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Rape, Pregnancy, Death of parent, Death, Pedophilia, Violence, Animal death, and Child abuse
Moderate: Abandonment, Addiction, Self harm, and Murder
Minor: Chronic illness and Terminal illness
rotfaced's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I found myself enraptured by the first 2/3rd of the book, engrossed in this world so unlike the one I inhabit. The final acts left me feeling deeply sad and even disturbed, but the journey through these segments was worthwhile. This book is very poetic and meant to invoke reflection, if not empathy; I encourage readers to approach it with no expectations and allow Tagaq's lyrical way of exploring life to animate itself in their mind.
This is a book I couldn't stop listening to; I finished it in hours I carved out my day, finding every excuse to continue the story. That said, I do think it's worth pausing to reflect on scenes and chapters, especially if you feel you did not understand them (or, alternatively, if they resonated deeply with you). It is a heavy story, and with all heavy things, we must pause to rest between carrying them.
Graphic: Pregnancy, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Suicide, Sexual harassment, Murder, Drug use, Death, and Child death
Moderate: Blood, Grief, Drug abuse, Domestic abuse, Animal death, and Animal cruelty
Minor: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Terminal illness, and Cancer