brooke_city's review against another edition
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book indeed has a very slow start. The first half establishes characters and relationships. You start to wonder where it's going, what's the point. The halfway mark is where the mystery actually begins.
While the read was frustrating, I saw the bigger picture that the author was creating. Many themes of the Vietnam War U.S. were present: religious fervor/cults emerging, feminism and radical feminism (there is a difference), mental illness and the lack of care, plus racism and queerphobia.
Lou is a hard character to root for. She spent her entire life coveting what someone else had, when she already had that love and support at home.I believe there was some internalized racism in her blaming Cece for them being town pariahs. And everyone kept so many secrets from her, shielded her, when she didn't deserve it. She grew up thinking her shit didn't stink, which informed the choices she made.
I would've liked to know more of why Heather carried a grudge against Danny. Was it jealousy? Did she really believe Danny "attacked" Robby? Or did she suspect Robby had feelings for him? Ironic since she hopped between brother and sister.
No one is a good person. Parson wasn't a good town.
While the read was frustrating, I saw the bigger picture that the author was creating. Many themes of the Vietnam War U.S. were present: religious fervor/cults emerging, feminism and radical feminism (there is a difference), mental illness and the lack of care, plus racism and queerphobia.
Lou is a hard character to root for. She spent her entire life coveting what someone else had, when she already had that love and support at home.
I would've liked to know more of why Heather carried a grudge against Danny. Was it jealousy? Did she really believe Danny "attacked" Robby? Or did she suspect Robby had feelings for him? Ironic since she hopped between brother and sister.
No one is a good person. Parson wasn't a good town.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Misogyny
Moderate: Mental illness, Homophobia, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Alcohol, Murder, Abandonment, Biphobia, Suicidal thoughts, and Emotional abuse
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