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dnlrbchd's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The first part of this book is slow and I almost abandoned it but I'm glad I stuck it out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Suicide, Toxic relationship, and Blood
Moderate: Child abuse, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Incest, Infidelity, Rape, Sexual assault, and Classism
bill369's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
When I read about the theme of the book, I immediately knew I must read it.
My favourite character is Emmet. He's hard-working, caring, thoughtful. While reading I related to his anger and I could imagine why he did certain actions. I feel as his motives, and his whole personality overall was written flawlessly. I adored, how he always grinned while he was talking to Lucien. It was so sweet. Their story and relationship are truly a work of art and I can't wait to have a deep bond as they had.
The theme is gripping and the reason why I even gave this book a chance. The first part of the book was a little confusing and it took me some time to get into the story, but once I did I couldn't stop reading. The main aspect of the theme was described well and the author uses rich vocabulary, which gave me a hard time since my English isn't perfect. However I did learn many new words and I always could understand what was going on, therefore I take it as a positive. Also, the descriptions are detailed and magical. I love how the author had written the book, I had a great time reading it.
I have many favourite parts. My first favourite lines are on page 260 from the New House. They describe the happiness before it all went wrong.
The lines are:I had never been so happy. I didn't know it was possible. When I woke up in the morning I lay there, incredulous, nearly blinded by it, holding on to the edge of the bed as if I was shipwrecked. I should have been at home, working, but it felt as if I was thinking about someone else's life, not mine. One way or another, the jobs would get done; it was a luxurious pleasure to lie still, listening to the birds, knowing that I was playing truant, not caring. It was late, and the sun was creeping up the side of the bed over the rumpled sheets and Lucian's legs. He slept as though he'd been thrown away, one arm over his head, the veins on his wrist showing blue under the skin. In sleep his face seemed smoother, his mouth wider. I watched him for a long time, imagining him as a child and as an old man. Then, at last, I had to get up; partly because the pleasure of looking at him was too close to pain, and partly because I needed to piss.
The other lines are on page 363 describing Lucian's mixed feelings after he was bound and I just find them heart-touching. The lines are:He opens his mouth. But whatever he wants to say, he doesn't say it. He gives me a tight nod, and turns on his heel. It takes an effort not to watch him leave. His footsteps die away. Now he's gone I notice how cold I am. I'm a fool to trust him. I shouldn't have given him the money. I should have given him more.
Other lines are on page 385 taking place in Seredith's house, I like them because they are pure and full of love. The lines are:He takes his coat off and drops it on the bench. He leans against the wall next to the stove. He's watching me. He smiles. He lowers his head to hide it, but he's definitely smiling.
„What?“
„Nothing.“
„What?“
He raises on shoulder. „I can't help it.“
And lastly one of Lucian's happy memories on the summer with Emmet. Page 437. The lines are:Out of the whirl of memories, one surfaces: a damp, blue evening last spring, when I walked back to the New House from the farm. I'd stayed to dinner, because Emmet had asked me to. When I said goodnight he'd grinned at me, that awkward quick-quenched grin that made me feel like we were the only people in the world. I walked home whistling, dancing on the path like a music-hall turn, laughing softly to myself. I was wearing Emmett's shirt. My heart was so light I could have flown. The memory of it takes my breath away. I didn't know happiness was that simple.
The end was nice, however, I hoped to see and know more. It ended on a good note, but there's just so much that could happen at that moment. I wish there was a sequel. But it was a good ending I won't lie.
I wanted to give it five stars, but it was difficult for me to get into the story and I didn't understand everything, since my vocabulary isn't as extensive as is in the book. Otherwise, I got no complaints.
I will be recommending this one!
My favourite character is Emmet. He's hard-working, caring, thoughtful. While reading I related to his anger and I could imagine why he did certain actions. I feel as his motives, and his whole personality overall was written flawlessly. I adored, how he always grinned while he was talking to Lucien. It was so sweet. Their story and relationship are truly a work of art and I can't wait to have a deep bond as they had.
The theme is gripping and the reason why I even gave this book a chance. The first part of the book was a little confusing and it took me some time to get into the story, but once I did I couldn't stop reading. The main aspect of the theme was described well and the author uses rich vocabulary, which gave me a hard time since my English isn't perfect. However I did learn many new words and I always could understand what was going on, therefore I take it as a positive. Also, the descriptions are detailed and magical. I love how the author had written the book, I had a great time reading it.
I have many favourite parts. My first favourite lines are on page 260 from the New House. They describe the happiness before it all went wrong.
The lines are:
The other lines are on page 363 describing Lucian's mixed feelings after he was bound and I just find them heart-touching. The lines are:
Other lines are on page 385 taking place in Seredith's house, I like them because they are pure and full of love. The lines are:
„What?“
„Nothing.“
„What?“
He raises on shoulder. „I can't help it.“
And lastly one of Lucian's happy memories on the summer with Emmet. Page 437. The lines are:
The end was nice, however, I hoped to see and know more. It ended on a good note, but there's just so much that could happen at that moment. I wish there was a sequel. But it was a good ending I won't lie.
I wanted to give it five stars, but it was difficult for me to get into the story and I didn't understand everything, since my vocabulary isn't as extensive as is in the book. Otherwise, I got no complaints.
I will be recommending this one!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Alcohol
Minor: Vomit and Abandonment
orlagal's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Body shaming, Child death, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Homophobia, Infidelity, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Murder, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Outing, Gaslighting, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
serendipitysbooks's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The Binding is the story of Emmett Farmer who, after a health crisis, is sent by his family to become an apprentice bookbinder. Bookbinding in Emmett’s world means something a little different to ours. Bookbinders listen to people’s memories, transcribe them to paper and then bind them into books, in the process wiping the person’s memories of those events. This sounds like a real blessing for those haunted by a traumatic past. But the reality is a lot more complex. It is when highlighting these complexities, the possible disadvantages and the potential for abuse that the book was at it best.
It is a fantasy novel with a setting that feels akin to nineteenth century England with some medieval overtones, but it has a lot to tell us about modern day social and political issues and power imbalances. Who gains and who loses when there are subjects we are told to forget and that are not to be talked about? Memories, personal, institutional, national and global, may be painful but they serve many important functions.
I appreciated the detailed writing which fully immersed me in both the setting and the thoughts and feelings of the main characters. The intense feelings between Emmett and Lucian were especially potent and patent.
I listened to this on audio and in retrospect think I may have been better to read it. The book is divided into three sections, all narrated in the first person, two by Emmett and one by Lucian Darnay. Sadly, the audiobook had just one narrator and it was disconcerting to hear Lucian narrating in Emmett’s voice.
It is a fantasy novel with a setting that feels akin to nineteenth century England with some medieval overtones, but it has a lot to tell us about modern day social and political issues and power imbalances. Who gains and who loses when there are subjects we are told to forget and that are not to be talked about? Memories, personal, institutional, national and global, may be painful but they serve many important functions.
I appreciated the detailed writing which fully immersed me in both the setting and the thoughts and feelings of the main characters. The intense feelings between Emmett and Lucian were especially potent and patent.
I listened to this on audio and in retrospect think I may have been better to read it. The book is divided into three sections, all narrated in the first person, two by Emmett and one by Lucian Darnay. Sadly, the audiobook had just one narrator and it was disconcerting to hear Lucian narrating in Emmett’s voice.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Homophobia, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Gaslighting
littledevonnook's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Animal death, Death, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicide, Toxic relationship, and Violence