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oliviajreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Graphic: Biphobia, Body horror, Bullying, Child abuse, Hate crime, Homophobia, Forced institutionalization, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Murder, and Gaslighting
kshertz's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Minor: Biphobia, Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Child death, Death, Gore, Homophobia, Misogyny, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Lesbophobia, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
rin_varga's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
It actually made it spookier for me to go in knowing that the premise was heavily religiously influenced—it gave the story that "cult" feel, especially because the intelligent Rose can tell right away that she's probably being gaslit by the adults who know more than they're telling her.
When things started getting into the characters' personal reasons for having/not having faith, how their faith has influenced not only their sexuality but how they lie to themselves as a person, and how not everything needs to be in black and white, I really appreciated how respectful their little found family could be for one another even when their perspectives didn't always see eye to eye.
This was a book I'd hoped would give me a scare or two, and it did not disappoint: the fear of the unknown and the lurking suspicion of something supernatural waiting just at the corners of a dark hallway summoned by the wandering thoughts in the back of your mind gave me more than a few jump-scares and spine-tingles! The atmosphere of a conservative Minnesota town in the heat of summer creates a particular mood all its own, and I was easily swept up in the madness of everything as Rose navigates a bizarre reality of unnatural flies, overeager friends and family wanting to "help" her overcome a temptation she doesn't even understand, and the tangle of supposed memories
The only wish I have for this book was one you might have too if you went in thinking we'd get to see most of the book taking place within the actual brain-washing camp part of Camp Damascus. That expectation led me to crave a little more of Rose's past relationship with Willow, not just through vague flashbacks: how they met, the little moments they shared, how they ultimately fell in love, etc. Many of these memories that were touched on seemed like they'd be super cute and endearing to read about in real time, and I love reading about relationships that form despite the odds stacked against them...but sadly, these events were only foggily glanced over.
Camp Damascus might not be a book for everyone, especially if you're a queer reader and topics of homophobia, organized religion, and family rejection are painful sore spots you'd rather not dig into. However, as I mentioned, I think many queer readers will appreciate the moral exploration that Rose eventually allows herself to consider, the kindness of found family still struggling with their own sexuality vs. religious beliefs, and the room for possibility that lies within morally gray areas. Everyone's journey is their own, and Camp Damascus has never made the power of choice, faith, and fact seem so amazing.
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Dementia, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Stalking, Car accident, Murder, Lesbophobia, Cultural appropriation, and Gaslighting
readingwithgoose's review against another edition
3.0
Graphic: Body horror, Homophobia, Violence, Blood, Religious bigotry, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
megj23's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Body horror, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, and Blood
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, and Murder
irrationaltide'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
5.0
Graphic: Biphobia, Hate crime, Homophobia, Mental illness, Transphobia, Violence, Xenophobia, Religious bigotry, Murder, Lesbophobia, and Gaslighting
elysianbud's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Drug use, Gore, Gun violence, Hate crime, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Religious bigotry, Car accident, Murder, Lesbophobia, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
amandadevoursbooks's review against another edition
4.75
Graphic: Child abuse, Gore, Homophobia, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Kidnapping, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Stalking, Murder, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
mcuthill's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
3.5
Graphic: Biphobia, Body horror, Child abuse, Hate crime, Homophobia, Blood, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Vomit, Medical content, Murder, Lesbophobia, and Gaslighting
errie's review against another edition
3.5
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Confinement, Gore, Hate crime, Homophobia, Torture, Violence, Medical content, Kidnapping, Religious bigotry, Murder, Lesbophobia, Fire/Fire injury, and Gaslighting