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woweewhoa's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Abandonment
Moderate: Homophobia, Rape, Sexual violence, Suicide, Transphobia, Medical content, and Dysphoria
Minor: Vomit, Trafficking, and Pregnancy
laughingrecord's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Death, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicide, Blood, Medical content, Suicide attempt, Murder, Outing, Abandonment, Dysphoria, and Injury/Injury detail
qi_'s review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
each of the characters was so well crafted and all had their own complexities. there was so much depth even in character that weren't most essential and even characters that we were supposed to dislike. i loved being able to spend time in the mind of Oto and they're a truly unforgettable character. it was so refreshing to see such an underrepresented perspective and really broaden my horizons. it's such an important perspective that i hope many people will experience once it starts to hit the shelves.
the writing was lyrical and Buki Papillon described each scene and setting with such detail and care. i loved how some of the African culture was woven into the writing and imagery such as certain sayings, metaphors or experiences that Oto held onto.
i did think that the dual timeline was a little bit unnecessary. it did provide contrasts and parallels however, i did find the structure a little jumble and confusing at points. personally, i would have preferred a linear structure with flashbacks only if necessary (at certain points i can see where it should be used). i did feel like some parts of the middle dragged out a little and felt a little tedious, not adding much to the impactful storyline.
the narration in the audiobook was very well done. Adjoa Andoh did such a good job and really brought the characters to life. stressing words and speaking just as how i would imagine the characters would. especially in more heart breaking scenes their voice-acting really shone through. impressed with the commitment to varying voices and accents.
overall, very strong and impressive debut. i think that this is such an important story to tell. each reader will get something out of it whether it be relating to struggles with gender identity, complex family relations, the experience of bullying or just the feeling of uncomfortable in your own skin prison
the writing was lyrical and Buki Papillon described each scene and setting with such detail and care. i loved how some of the African culture was woven into the writing and imagery such as certain sayings, metaphors or experiences that Oto held onto.
i did think that the dual timeline was a little bit unnecessary. it did provide contrasts and parallels however, i did find the structure a little jumble and confusing at points. personally, i would have preferred a linear structure with flashbacks only if necessary (at certain points i can see where it should be used). i did feel like some parts of the middle dragged out a little and felt a little tedious, not adding much to the impactful storyline.
the narration in the audiobook was very well done. Adjoa Andoh did such a good job and really brought the characters to life. stressing words and speaking just as how i would imagine the characters would. especially in more heart breaking scenes their voice-acting really shone through. impressed with the commitment to varying voices and accents.
overall, very strong and impressive debut. i think that this is such an important story to tell. each reader will get something out of it whether it be relating to struggles with gender identity, complex family relations, the experience of bullying or just the feeling of uncomfortable in your own skin prison
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Medical content, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Outing, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Domestic abuse and Emotional abuse
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