Reviews tagging 'Body horror'

Auē by Becky Manawatu

4 reviews

sroberts2's review against another edition

dark emotional sad slow-paced

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

3.75

Brutal, sad, the story of how life can make decisions for you

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal death, Body horror, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Grief, Stalking, Car accident, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, and Abandonment

cecereads__'s review

5.0

I loved this story so, so very much that I was sad to finish it. I read the last 100 pages in one go. I could not close the book and let it go. I had to stay with it and with them. I will be unable to let them go any time soon. 
I loved the Kiwi and te reo that lined the pages of this book.
I could not have asked for a better book to begin the year with.

I felt helpless as when reading about Stu in particular and wanting to actually end him. A fascinating experience to have such a visceral reaction. Sunset, Hash and Coon as well as the racist slurs making my blood boil too. I had to laugh out loud though when they were shouting while camping. And tearing up a little. It was beautifully written and deeply tragic at the same time. I love that the family came together in the end. Just as I am heartbroken for Beth and Tommy for losing their spark and each other (and themselves).

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Bullying, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Car accident, Abortion, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail

gabde04's review against another edition

dark mysterious slow-paced

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

2.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Body horror, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, and Sexual violence

2treads's review against another edition

challenging emotional sad medium-paced

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

4.0

— No one played songs here. No one listened to music or told stories... Maybe the day my family stopped existing, I did too. — Ari

Manawatu's Auē is affecting and carries the weight of the meaning of its title, which is felt from page to page. Our characters are battling with loss and trauma, with abuse and abandonment. There seems little to be joyful about under these circumstances and yet small niches of hope and happiness are sought and found, enjoyed even though they come with the press of grief.

The oppressive weight of each of our characters situations and experiences is felt as they each push through and attempt at living life the best they can. Even if it means running away, enduring domestic abuse, leaving behind loved ones for fear of bringing pain to their door, and refusing to face a grief that when acknowledged and borne together brings a special kind of healing.

Her prose is sharp and fierce and serves this story well. Auē will leave its mark of tears and beauty on readers.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Body horror, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Suicide, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, and Gaslighting