lucyatoz's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The story of Betty Ramdin, her son Solo and their lodger Mr Chetan, is one big hot mess of a story about different forms of love. The unbounding love that is between a Mother and Son, following the death of Husband and Father, who was an abusive alcoholic, and Solo's flight from Trinidad to live with his Uncle and his family in New York. The platonic love that grows between Betty and Mr Chetan, contrasted with his hot, passionate loving of men. The second father relationship of respect and affection between Solo and Mr Chetan, which helps them both as they try to understand their places in two very different societies.
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Physical abuse, Suicide attempt, Death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Self harm, Blood, and Grief
pkc's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Panic attacks/disorders, Alcoholism, Blood, Gaslighting, Grief, Self harm, Cursing, Death of parent, Violence, Addiction, Misogyny, Bullying, Death, Domestic abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Religious bigotry, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Homophobia, and Hate crime
merrynthomas's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Self harm, Suicide attempt, Hate crime, Physical abuse, Body horror, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Homophobia, Mental illness, Death, Death of parent, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Alcohol
This book deals heavily with family trauma brought on by domestic abuse, particularly the mother/child relationshipmscalls's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Alcohol, Grief, Outing, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Self harm, Suicide attempt, Alcoholism, Death, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Blood, Child abuse, and Death of parent