shieldbearer's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
this is a classic for a reason, and out of all the Westerns I've read so far it's probably my favorite. Maddie has such a strong voice and describes the landscape and events so vividly. That said, it's still a product of its time, and as much as I liked the book, there are certain themes or elements I wish had been handled with more care and nuance. The offhanded reference to residential schools being a GOOD thing turned my stomach. I have complicated feelings around Rooster's narrative treatment and the almost casual way his brutality and his Confederate past is treated.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Gun violence, Blood, Child abuse, Racism, Violence, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Kidnapping, Colonisation, Cursing, Death of parent, Fatphobia, Genocide, Death, Ableism, Misogyny, Murder, Xenophobia, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, and Medical content
Minor: War and Slavery
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