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cassandrat's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I enjoyed reading this book, and it capivated me the whole time. Check the content warnings though. Some reviewers wrote that it is a weird book, but I think it fits squarely in the sheltered-repressed-woman-goes-crazy genre. It's a bit of a horror, and more violent or at least gruesome than I expected. That said, it is also a bit of a meditation on technological progress, war, sexism and all the casualities involves. It also includes various racisms throughout the story, African Americans, Japanese, Japanese Americans, and Native Americans.
Frankly, I would have really quite liked this book if not for the genre of the woman goes crazy (think Carrie, Black Swan, Mother Thing and so forth). I don't love the trope. That said, this book is probably the best implementation of it that I have encountered.
There's a lot to talk about in the book: what exactly are the visions? how do they relate to the land? why do the scientists respond differently from others? how magic is it? iscutting out her tongue really effective because she can still write! ? what the heck was that with the dirt and masturbating ? What do you think of the range of opinions and behaviors presented on topics like sexism and racism and regard for life? What does it mean that a mother is a murderer ?
The way the story comments on the broad effects of the atom bomb and just arms races in general was thought provoking. Throughout, the book starts off unequivocally stating that bombing Japan was horrible, but it doesn't just leave it there. It weaves in statements like, if we don't they will. It contemplate a future when the bombs will eventually be used on "us." It also describes the immediate and future cost on the communities and workers poisoned and polluted. It makes the reader wonder if any one really could stop it by sabotage or otherwise.
The visions were actually really atmospheric and beautiful while also horrific. The writing impressed me.
Frankly, I would have really quite liked this book if not for the genre of the woman goes crazy (think Carrie, Black Swan, Mother Thing and so forth). I don't love the trope. That said, this book is probably the best implementation of it that I have encountered.
There's a lot to talk about in the book: what exactly are the visions? how do they relate to the land? why do the scientists respond differently from others? how magic is it? is
The way the story comments on the broad effects of the atom bomb and just arms races in general was thought provoking. Throughout, the book starts off unequivocally stating that bombing Japan was horrible, but it doesn't just leave it there.
The visions were actually really atmospheric and beautiful while also horrific. The writing impressed me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Misogyny, Racism, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
czfries's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual violence, Violence, Vomit, and War
rosethomas's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence
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