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singalana's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
NOTE: This story is told from the point of view of a British upper-class person and has unchallenged colonialistic views. If that is something that bothers you as a reader, then I would not recommend this. I read this book keeping in mind that these are the opinions of the character, so I will not be commenting on this aspect of the story.
Minor: Animal death, Gun violence, Racism, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Alcohol, Colonisation, and Classism
erebus53's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
You're not going to like this story if you are disinterested in stories of rich Brits flitting about the countryside buying the time and energies of the locals, while pillaging the countryside of its relics and treasures. It's all quite ridiculous but at least, if you can hold your nose, it's not as rife with racism and misogyny as Wilbur Smith.
The sarcastic humour and dry turn of phrase is amusing. I did laugh out loud at some of the quips, and the casual banter between main characters is stuffy and kind of toxic, but is a foil for solid relationship building and mutual respect.
Not my usual flavour, but a fun little mystery, that's a bit ScoobyDoo in the execution.
Graphic: Death, Drug abuse, Gun violence, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Religious bigotry, Cultural appropriation, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, and Colonisation
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Cursing, Slavery, Stalking, and War
kalira's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
While Amelia is very much the definition of an unreliable narrator, and her perspective is very much flavoured by her nationality and the era, these things are well written to make it obvious to the reader that they are true, and Amelia herself is a delight (in all her occasionally disastrous glory). The character dynamics and relationships are wonderfully engaging, and the mystery fascinating and alarming.
The conclusion sets up the next book in the series in excellent fashion without leaving any feeling of things being left hanging.
Moderate: Sexism, Violence, Kidnapping, Suicide attempt, Alcohol, Colonisation, and Classism
Minor: Death, Gun violence, Racism, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail