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jennbm's review against another edition
challenging
dark
inspiring
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Death of parent
Minor: Domestic abuse and Suicidal thoughts
dana_dunham's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- 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
Content Warnings
Minor: Domestic abuse
purely_romantic's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Death of parent, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Genocide
lauren_lovestoread's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
3.75
First, I’d like to say I did like this book but I felt frustrated by the repetition. I wished there had been more backstory about Yara’s mother and grandmother, and less of the endless cycle of Yara and Fadi’s relationship. I felt that there was more potential for this story that wasn’t realized. The writing is lovely and engaging. I just wanted a bit more to the story that didn’t feel like reading the same chapter in different words so many times over. All that said, it’s still definitely worth the read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Misogyny
Moderate: Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Death of parent, and Abandonment
lilbuthod's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
sophiesmallhands's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Gaslighting
Moderate: Cursing, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Genocide, Infidelity, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Death of parent, and War
annamay1021'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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, and Gaslighting
morganpoptart's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- 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
5.0
Evil Eye by Etaf Rum is a deeply powerful and raw novel that sheds light on complex and challenging topics such as DV, power imbalances in relationships, gaslighting, manipulation, and the lasting impact of generational trauma. I’ve rarely seen these issues portrayed in such a nuanced and insightful way.
While this book can be incredibly difficult to read at times due to the weight of its subject matter, it's also profoundly impactful. Rum doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of these issues, making the story both heart-wrenching and incredibly validating for those who have experienced similar struggles. As someone who has felt isolated by these kinds of experiences, I found Yara's journey to be a beacon of understanding. Her story made me feel less alone and deeply seen.
That being said, readers who have a personal history with DV or manipulation may find certain parts of the novel especially tough. However, I believe the depth of understanding and empathy that Rum offers makes this a must-read. The way she explores these difficult topics is unlike anything I've encountered in literature before.
I wholeheartedly recommend Evil Eye for anyone ready to engage with a story that is both challenging and cathartic. It's an incredible piece of work that will stay with me for a long time.
While this book can be incredibly difficult to read at times due to the weight of its subject matter, it's also profoundly impactful. Rum doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of these issues, making the story both heart-wrenching and incredibly validating for those who have experienced similar struggles. As someone who has felt isolated by these kinds of experiences, I found Yara's journey to be a beacon of understanding. Her story made me feel less alone and deeply seen.
That being said, readers who have a personal history with DV or manipulation may find certain parts of the novel especially tough. However, I believe the depth of understanding and empathy that Rum offers makes this a must-read. The way she explores these difficult topics is unlike anything I've encountered in literature before.
I wholeheartedly recommend Evil Eye for anyone ready to engage with a story that is both challenging and cathartic. It's an incredible piece of work that will stay with me for a long time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
Moderate: Racism, Sexism, and Xenophobia
Minor: Gaslighting
remindmetoread's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
F*ck Fadi. Let's start there. I'm reading this book that is highly recommended, expecting one thing, and I came out on the other end feeling like I read a dramatic story. If you like drama, don't pass this book up. I feel like I haven't read a book like this that's not centered on romance in years. I love that. This is a cultured book. Yes, there's drama, but there's reflection, there's growth, there's stakes. There's history. This book is fiction, but I'm sure the author wasn't mixing details when she talked about the history of Palestine. I'm sure the author was telling someone's real story when she spoke of the pain of never returning to their home again and living in cramped tents through summer and winter. I feel people who suffer with depression and anxiety can see a heroine in Yara. Whether you have the same upbringing or not. I enjoyed reading her journey. It was a breath of fresh air to read the ending although it felt a little fast to wrap it up. I've read books with sad main characters and hated them. I honestly can't stand for the moping. But with Yara's perspective, I felt a connection and wanted her to get better. This book will worry you deeply. But also move you. I'm touched.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Xenophobia
kamin8882's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- 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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Genocide and Death of parent