heresthepencil's review against another edition
1.0
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The main character of this book is a Polish lesbian - like myself! - so of course I was very excited to read it. Oh boy, do I wish I haven’t touched it…
Let’s start with the MC’s name. Halina Piotrowski. Now, I’ve lived in Poland my whole life and I know one (1) Halina. And she’s a 60 years old lady. But that’s nothing, right, maybe she has weird parents. The last name, though. I actually talked about it with the author on twitter before I even requested the ARC and was told “it’s explained in the novel, so you’ll understand!!”. Because, you see, we have grammatical genders in Polish and we use them for last names, too. Which means the surname Piotrowski has actually two forms: Piotrowski for guys and Piotrowska for girls. The author’s explanation in the book is that Halina wanted to show both her independence from her mother and her sexuality. None of which makes any sense! What does one’s sexuality have to do with one’s last name! And where do trans people fit in this conversation, since it’s them who would actually struggle to change that suffix?
Then there are the random Polish words that the MC only uses when she’s stressed. (Like we all know bilingual people do, sure, sure.) Words like “buhaj”, which I had to google, because I have never heard that in my life. Yes, it’s a translation for “bull”. No, it’s not actually used in everyday life. Unless for crosswords. The word “pączi” was also used as a plural for “pączek”, I suppose (“doughnuts”), only it should be “pączki”. My favourites, though, are “słoneczna” and “dzidzia” for endearment terms! First literally means “sunny” and you would never call anyone that, neither in Polish or English - what you’re looking for is “słonko”, “słońce” (a literal translation of “sun”, but actually an equivalent of “sunshine”, I’d say). The second is a word for “baby”, yeah. Again, though, context matters and we either use “dzidzia” for actual small babies or to lowkey insult someone. And at some point potato pancakes were translated as “placki”, when that just means “pancakes”.
Sure happy with how much research went into this!!
Now we can get into the really juicy stuff! The horrible and abundant biphobia and fatphobia! Oh, what a joy to read!
It’s constant throughout the book and while Halina’s prejudices are somewhat challenged, her assistant is even worse about it - and in their case, it’s never even addressed properly. It’s also kind of ridiculous to say it’s challenged, because what actually happens and what it feels like, is that Halina meets a fat, bi love interest to teach her that…. those are people, too? There’s literally a quote that goes:
I’m… not even sure how to comment on that? And it’s not even close to the worst we have to read!
If the biphobia and fatphobia aren’t enough to turn you off, have no fear. There’s also some culture appropriation.
Okay, so I complain a lot, there are clearly issues with the book… But is it at least written well enough, that you can overlook that?
Haha. Good joke!
The writing is mediocre at best and just a purple prose at worst. The characters aren’t fleshed out (apart from all their blatant prejudices, I guess). The main character and the love interest have no chemistry to speak off, there is absolutely no build-up to their relationship - they end up in bed five chapters in and the LI is “in love” with Halina like two weeks in. There’s also a tedious love triangle, because it’s 2018 and we… still haven’t had enough of them??
Honestly, all this book did was make me angry. I would never recommend this to anyone and I only wish I could forget it myself.
The main character of this book is a Polish lesbian - like myself! - so of course I was very excited to read it. Oh boy, do I wish I haven’t touched it…
Let’s start with the MC’s name. Halina Piotrowski. Now, I’ve lived in Poland my whole life and I know one (1) Halina. And she’s a 60 years old lady. But that’s nothing, right, maybe she has weird parents. The last name, though. I actually talked about it with the author on twitter before I even requested the ARC and was told “it’s explained in the novel, so you’ll understand!!”. Because, you see, we have grammatical genders in Polish and we use them for last names, too. Which means the surname Piotrowski has actually two forms: Piotrowski for guys and Piotrowska for girls. The author’s explanation in the book is that Halina wanted to show both her independence from her mother and her sexuality. None of which makes any sense! What does one’s sexuality have to do with one’s last name! And where do trans people fit in this conversation, since it’s them who would actually struggle to change that suffix?
Then there are the random Polish words that the MC only uses when she’s stressed. (Like we all know bilingual people do, sure, sure.) Words like “buhaj”, which I had to google, because I have never heard that in my life. Yes, it’s a translation for “bull”. No, it’s not actually used in everyday life. Unless for crosswords. The word “pączi” was also used as a plural for “pączek”, I suppose (“doughnuts”), only it should be “pączki”. My favourites, though, are “słoneczna” and “dzidzia” for endearment terms! First literally means “sunny” and you would never call anyone that, neither in Polish or English - what you’re looking for is “słonko”, “słońce” (a literal translation of “sun”, but actually an equivalent of “sunshine”, I’d say). The second is a word for “baby”, yeah. Again, though, context matters and we either use “dzidzia” for actual small babies or to lowkey insult someone. And at some point potato pancakes were translated as “placki”, when that just means “pancakes”.
Sure happy with how much research went into this!!
Now we can get into the really juicy stuff! The horrible and abundant biphobia and fatphobia! Oh, what a joy to read!
It’s constant throughout the book and while Halina’s prejudices are somewhat challenged, her assistant is even worse about it - and in their case, it’s never even addressed properly. It’s also kind of ridiculous to say it’s challenged, because what actually happens and what it feels like, is that Halina meets a fat, bi love interest to teach her that…. those are people, too? There’s literally a quote that goes:
Halina can’t help but gasp under the onslaught of sensations.
Oh, but this is delicious. I should have tried different body types before.
I’m… not even sure how to comment on that? And it’s not even close to the worst we have to read!
“I didn't expect someone of her type to be... hardworking, so to speak.”
“Her type?” [...]
“Oh, come on, Lina,” Ari says with a small, uncertain laugh. “People like her, yeah. Didn't you say she's bi? And she's a fatty too. Neither have the best rep.”
If the biphobia and fatphobia aren’t enough to turn you off, have no fear. There’s also some culture appropriation.
She [Alexandra] orders a Continental Sour and subtly checks to make sure the kimono fold of her dress is not too revealing. Just the top of her cleavage is showing. Good. Her outfit marks her as the quirky American artist who can bring color to the lives…
Okay, so I complain a lot, there are clearly issues with the book… But is it at least written well enough, that you can overlook that?
Haha. Good joke!
The writing is mediocre at best and just a purple prose at worst. The characters aren’t fleshed out (apart from all their blatant prejudices, I guess). The main character and the love interest have no chemistry to speak off, there is absolutely no build-up to their relationship - they end up in bed five chapters in and the LI is “in love” with Halina like two weeks in. There’s also a tedious love triangle, because it’s 2018 and we… still haven’t had enough of them??
Honestly, all this book did was make me angry. I would never recommend this to anyone and I only wish I could forget it myself.
leahkarge's review against another edition
1.0
Biphobia, fatphobia, and ableism run rampant in this novel and are never challenged until the last 50ish pages of the book. I cannot recommend--read my full review for details.
maanorchidee's review against another edition
3.0
Has anyone ever read the Interlude Press book Snowsisters? If you read my review of Snowsisters, you see that I am very disappointed in the reviewers who gave this book a low rating due to problematic content, since they have all completely missed the author's note explaining that the characters are problematic and that they have to unlearn that behaviour.
The same can be said for the reviewers of Concerto in Chroma Major.
This book is the love story between two women: Halina, a succesful Polish pianist, who scoffs at the thought of settling down and who is very biased against bi and fat people, and Alexandra, a fat Jewish woman, who has synthesia and who just wants more people to understand her.
Then, there are their best friends Ari and Leo, who have problems of their own.
And yes, some of these characters, especially Halina and Ari, are dickheads. But they get confronted, they learn from their biphobia, fatphobia and ableism.
Wow, okay, the first part of the review was basically me ranting about people missing the point of these damn author's notes! It's like you're disgusted by a horror movie, because you didn't expect the horror, despite the fact that it's advertised as horror.
(Hi Naomi, I read that on your blog and I highly agree!)
But thoughts of others aside, it's time for my thoughts on the book. As you can see, I gave it three stars and I enjoyed the book. Here are the definite pros of the book:
- As my rant just showed, people being held responsible for their shitty behaviour and them learning from it is great!
- I also enjoyed the amount of communication between Halina and Alexandra. Yes, they obviously had some rought patches, but they sit and talk it out, instead of some books where miscommunication is used as a plot device. I find that rather tiresome, so having Halina and Alexandra actually talk about important topics felt like a breeze of fresh air.
- THE LANGUAGES! Since I read the eBook version, I could not easily access the glossary, so most of the foreign languages were lost to me, but that doesn't make me enjoy it any less. I love languages and I really love it when people speak other languages. In the end, I did read the glossary and I was quite proud of myself for when I figured out I understood all the French curse words while reading.
- Diverse characters. I especially was surprised by Zach.
- The setting: ah bon Paris! (Beau? Belle? I just mentioned that I only know swear words in French and the standard "Ça va?") I've never been to Paris and I also don't have interest in going to Paris, but Alexandra made Halina fall in love with the city and reading Alexandra's love for Paris made me love Paris. Also the integration of the terrorist attack was a surprise, but unfortunately, it was very true.
- The music and the art! I don't know much about music, but boy do I love the descriptions of Alexandra's art!
Now you might be wondering: what is the con? Why did you give it three stars, not four or five?
Well, quite frankly, my biggest con is: plot who?
Most of the time I was reading this book, I couldn't understand the plot. What was the point of the story? Where was it heading? Maybe I am biased, because I am obviously comparing this book to others that I've read, but compared to others, I don't understand where this story is heading? I've finished it and I liked it, but a part of me can't help but think "What did I just read?"
It's just the somewhat slow progression of the relationship between Halina and Alexandra, whereas in most books I've read so far, the relationship was the underlying story, not the actual fuel of the plot, and therefore I was not used to it. Every now and then, there were some moments that made me go "oh maybe it was this all along!" like the illness of Alexandra's mother or Halina having to decide if she wants to stay in Paris, but overall... what was the story?
Again, I might be biased, since I usually read books where the relationship is nothing bigger than the underlying story or the B plot, but yeah my main thought while reading was (in Dutch, since I am Dutch): "Wat is de rode draad van dit verhaal? Heeft dit verhaal überhaupt een rode draad?"
Only after I finished the book, I realised that the progression of the relationship was the main plot and I guess that I prefer books where romantic relationships are not the primary focus. Maybe I should've seen this coming, but alas.
I still enjoyed the book and I really like the characters, even Ari and Leo. That's why I would love to read more of them. I'd love to have another book with Halina and Alexandra, because both women were wonderful, but maybe in a story where their relationship is not the main story.
Time for fanfiction?
The same can be said for the reviewers of Concerto in Chroma Major.
This book is the love story between two women: Halina, a succesful Polish pianist, who scoffs at the thought of settling down and who is very biased against bi and fat people, and Alexandra, a fat Jewish woman, who has synthesia and who just wants more people to understand her.
Then, there are their best friends Ari and Leo, who have problems of their own.
And yes, some of these characters, especially Halina and Ari, are dickheads. But they get confronted, they learn from their biphobia, fatphobia and ableism.
Wow, okay, the first part of the review was basically me ranting about people missing the point of these damn author's notes! It's like you're disgusted by a horror movie, because you didn't expect the horror, despite the fact that it's advertised as horror.
(Hi Naomi, I read that on your blog and I highly agree!)
But thoughts of others aside, it's time for my thoughts on the book. As you can see, I gave it three stars and I enjoyed the book. Here are the definite pros of the book:
- As my rant just showed, people being held responsible for their shitty behaviour and them learning from it is great!
- I also enjoyed the amount of communication between Halina and Alexandra. Yes, they obviously had some rought patches, but they sit and talk it out, instead of some books where miscommunication is used as a plot device. I find that rather tiresome, so having Halina and Alexandra actually talk about important topics felt like a breeze of fresh air.
- THE LANGUAGES! Since I read the eBook version, I could not easily access the glossary, so most of the foreign languages were lost to me, but that doesn't make me enjoy it any less. I love languages and I really love it when people speak other languages. In the end, I did read the glossary and I was quite proud of myself for when I figured out I understood all the French curse words while reading.
- Diverse characters. I especially was surprised by Zach.
- The setting: ah bon Paris! (Beau? Belle? I just mentioned that I only know swear words in French and the standard "Ça va?") I've never been to Paris and I also don't have interest in going to Paris, but Alexandra made Halina fall in love with the city and reading Alexandra's love for Paris made me love Paris. Also the integration of the terrorist attack was a surprise, but unfortunately, it was very true.
- The music and the art! I don't know much about music, but boy do I love the descriptions of Alexandra's art!
Now you might be wondering: what is the con? Why did you give it three stars, not four or five?
Well, quite frankly, my biggest con is: plot who?
Most of the time I was reading this book, I couldn't understand the plot. What was the point of the story? Where was it heading? Maybe I am biased, because I am obviously comparing this book to others that I've read, but compared to others, I don't understand where this story is heading? I've finished it and I liked it, but a part of me can't help but think "What did I just read?"
It's just the somewhat slow progression of the relationship between Halina and Alexandra, whereas in most books I've read so far, the relationship was the underlying story, not the actual fuel of the plot, and therefore I was not used to it. Every now and then, there were some moments that made me go "oh maybe it was this all along!" like the illness of Alexandra's mother or Halina having to decide if she wants to stay in Paris, but overall... what was the story?
Again, I might be biased, since I usually read books where the relationship is nothing bigger than the underlying story or the B plot, but yeah my main thought while reading was (in Dutch, since I am Dutch): "Wat is de rode draad van dit verhaal? Heeft dit verhaal überhaupt een rode draad?"
Only after I finished the book, I realised that the progression of the relationship was the main plot and I guess that I prefer books where romantic relationships are not the primary focus. Maybe I should've seen this coming, but alas.
I still enjoyed the book and I really like the characters, even Ari and Leo. That's why I would love to read more of them. I'd love to have another book with Halina and Alexandra, because both women were wonderful, but maybe in a story where their relationship is not the main story.
Time for fanfiction?
abookishtype's review against another edition
3.0
Sometimes, after all the grim things I read, a simpler book with a happy ending is just what I need. Concerto in Chroma Major, by Naomi Tajedler, is a love story. The protagonists have fights, but the fact that the two leads are perfect for each other let me know that everything would be all right in the end...
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, for review consideration.
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, for review consideration.
jamesflint's review
1.0
Galley provided by publisher
Rep: fat bi mc, lesbian mc, nonbinary side character
File this under "books that make me suffer when reviewing because I'm having to relive the whole damn mess". My one word review here would be "Disappointed". Capital d and everything.
The good things
- Were there any?
The bad things
- I wanna say it started off alright, but, in truth, it really didn't. I was only a chapter in when I realised the writing was not for me. I don't want to say bad, because it wasn't nearly as awful as some stuff I've read, but it wasn't good. It was in present tense (already a killer for me), but it was also really purple prosey and it ended up falling flat.
- Anna is the best person to talk about the Polish rep, but let me just say. I got some excellent reactions everytime I sent her something with the Polish character.
- The fatphobia. Yikes.
"Not your type." Halina barks out a short laugh and rests her head against the window, her eyes lost in nocturnal Paris outside. "What's not my type?" "American. And chubby." They laugh derisively. "Like I said, not your type."
"I didn't expect someone of her type to be... hardworking, so to speak." "Her type?" [...] "Oh, come on, Lina," Ari says with a small, uncertain laugh. "People like her, yeah. Didn't you say she's bi? And she's a fatty too. Neither have the best rep."
- The biphobia. Also yikes. (See quote above.) And yeah, it kind of gets challenged, but only by Alexandra, and for the angst plotline. It's not challenged before that, and Ari's biphobia and fatphobia never is. And the whole romance with Alexandra seems designed to teach Halina that actually bi and fat people are alright!
- There is zero tension between Alexandra and Halina. They have sex like 5 chapters in and then there's a two week timeskip and suddenly Alexandra is in love with her. Their whole relationship is predicated on lust and there is no tension. So there's no reason for me to care when it comes to the point that they break up and there's angst.
- This scene.
She [Alexandra] orders a Continental Sour and subtly checks to make sure the kimono fold of her dress is not too revealing. Just the top of her cleavage is showing. Good. Her outfit marks her as the quirky American artist who can bring color to the lives...
- The whole ""love triangle"" between Leo, Halina and Alexandra was tedious and overdone. I say ""love triangle"" because it was more like Leo still wanted Alexandra and thought they were "destined" to end up together, while Halina was, despite being a complete bitch at times, the one Alexandra actually wanted. But of course they had to keep having metaphorical dick measuring contests and not actually like each other.
Those are the major things but if you want more, I made a whole thread here. To quote Michelle, "yoinks".
Rep: fat bi mc, lesbian mc, nonbinary side character
File this under "books that make me suffer when reviewing because I'm having to relive the whole damn mess". My one word review here would be "Disappointed". Capital d and everything.
The good things
- Were there any?
The bad things
- I wanna say it started off alright, but, in truth, it really didn't. I was only a chapter in when I realised the writing was not for me. I don't want to say bad, because it wasn't nearly as awful as some stuff I've read, but it wasn't good. It was in present tense (already a killer for me), but it was also really purple prosey and it ended up falling flat.
- Anna is the best person to talk about the Polish rep, but let me just say. I got some excellent reactions everytime I sent her something with the Polish character.
- The fatphobia. Yikes.
"Not your type." Halina barks out a short laugh and rests her head against the window, her eyes lost in nocturnal Paris outside. "What's not my type?" "American. And chubby." They laugh derisively. "Like I said, not your type."
"I didn't expect someone of her type to be... hardworking, so to speak." "Her type?" [...] "Oh, come on, Lina," Ari says with a small, uncertain laugh. "People like her, yeah. Didn't you say she's bi? And she's a fatty too. Neither have the best rep."
- The biphobia. Also yikes. (See quote above.) And yeah, it kind of gets challenged, but only by Alexandra, and for the angst plotline. It's not challenged before that, and Ari's biphobia and fatphobia never is. And the whole romance with Alexandra seems designed to teach Halina that actually bi and fat people are alright!
- There is zero tension between Alexandra and Halina. They have sex like 5 chapters in and then there's a two week timeskip and suddenly Alexandra is in love with her. Their whole relationship is predicated on lust and there is no tension. So there's no reason for me to care when it comes to the point that they break up and there's angst.
- This scene.
She [Alexandra] orders a Continental Sour and subtly checks to make sure the kimono fold of her dress is not too revealing. Just the top of her cleavage is showing. Good. Her outfit marks her as the quirky American artist who can bring color to the lives...
- The whole ""love triangle"" between Leo, Halina and Alexandra was tedious and overdone. I say ""love triangle"" because it was more like Leo still wanted Alexandra and thought they were "destined" to end up together, while Halina was, despite being a complete bitch at times, the one Alexandra actually wanted. But of course they had to keep having metaphorical dick measuring contests and not actually like each other.
Those are the major things but if you want more, I made a whole thread here. To quote Michelle, "yoinks".
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