Reviews

By Way of Sorrow by Robyn Gigl

atomic_tourist's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional funny tense fast-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? No

There were a few moments in the beginning when it was clear that By Way of Sorrow could have used stronger editing. But around the 1/3 mark, the story picked up and Gigl's writing solidified. Overall, it is a strong legal drama with a cohesive mix of characters and a plot that balances thrill with emotion.

That said, if anyone I know reads this, I'd like to hear your thoughts on how Gigl wrote Sharise's character, particularly her use of AAVE. I admit that it made me uncomfortable at times. 

thriller_chick's review against another edition

3.0

3.5 stars.
Great legal thriller with a twist.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I look forward to reading more by her. It is also the first book I have read with a transgender character. This story was very good at voicing how lonely and stressed one can feel when classifying themselves as such.

larissamkk's review against another edition

3.0

DNF - the writing style wasn't for me.
I did love the trans representation though!

lisa_marie627's review against another edition

4.0

I really enjoyed this book. It felt like a very unexperienced writer wrote it, but I think that makes sense for this author. I also would love that she acknowledged it in her acknowledgment!

mlweih's review against another edition

dark mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

kellyroberson's review against another edition

3.0

Just fine-ish

klwpvfc's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

2.75

librerin's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes

4.0

It was interesting to read a mystery written from more of a lawyer/law perspective.  It was a challenging read also because it was set in the early 2000s, and the language/treatment of trans characters was accurate to the time.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Transphobia and Violence

Moderate: Sexual harassment and Racism

ari76's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.25

I enjoyed this book for its representation of trans women and thoughtful discussions about how that impacts their work, relationships, and life when faced with harm. My main critiques are about Gigl's use of AAVE (African-American Vernacular English) for Sharise and some loss of momentum/clarity on the plot sides.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Violence and Transphobia

crochanqueen13's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Great legal thrillers! Would love to see this turned into a tv show!