Reviews tagging 'Abandonment'

Der Schwarze Flamingo by Dean Atta

24 reviews

booksoversecondbreakfast's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring reflective 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? No

4.0

A really great book! I'm normally not very into poetry, but I really got into this book. Drag is a world I don't have a lot of familiarity with so it was great getting to peer into the scene via this book. I felt so proud of Mike by the end of the book, and it really left me smiling.

I read this as a part of Book Riot's Read Harder prompt and I'm glad I did. It's a bit out of my usual comfort zone for books, but I all-around enjoyed the book!
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anarmandameg's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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solnit_and_sebastian's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Beautifully written in prose, Dean Atta's The Black Flamingo is the story of a young, queer, Jamaican and Greek Cypriot boy from London. The story carries through his first year at university, wherein Michael continues his journey of self-discovery, and learns more about new and old friends that challenges some aspects of his worldview. The intersection of Michael's identities, and how he relates to his family, friends, and the world through various lenses, are a primary focus of the book. Accessible, eloquent, and cathartic, I unreservedly recommend it.
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thepostman96's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

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lynxpardinus's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective

4.5

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helhas3letters's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

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blombern's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful inspiring 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

3.75

Written in the form of poetry
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thebookishnerd_'s review against another edition

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emotional inspiring reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

The Black Flamingo is a coming-of-age story about Michael, a black queer teen, growing up and exploring and discovering his identity. He discovers the art of drag in university and finds a community to call home. 

I loved this book, from beginning to end. I have a soft spot for books written in verse and this one did not disappoint. The writing style was beautiful and emotional.  It was great to see the language subtly mature as Michael grew up. Each character felt distinct with their own voice and I just fell in love with Michael and Daisy's friendship.

This book addresses many issues from racism, homophobia (both internal and external), fetishization, bullying, forced gender roles, absent parents and so much more. Each issue shows its effects on characters in such a true-to-life way, despite the writing style. 

This book packs an emotional punch. Michael's story will pull at your heartstrings. I definitely recommend this book. Especially to those looking for a short yet impactful read. 
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blvckboyinparis's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective 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

 since i have come out i have been reading more novels about queer main characters. i've read this before but it hits differently now. it's more in your face but in a good way. michael is every bit the black flamingo he performs on stage.

artist. poet. intellectual. lover. son. friend. brother. gay. black. greek-cypriot. beautiful.

so very, very beautiful. 
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mayareadsxo's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring lighthearted reflective sad fast-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

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