neldiamond's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
aeori's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
dr_al's review against another edition
Beautiful prose and ideas about collective vs individual identity, and about the way that our memories of trauma affect us.
ktopreads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
very interesting concept. i really enjoyed how the afterword gives more context to how this book was a collaboration and an expansion on other pieces of work. more challenging for a novella than i expected thoughÂ
lucrezi's review against another edition
5.0
A lovely novella about merpeople who originated from pregnant African slaves thrown into the ocean. Intergenerational trauma, a touch of "The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas," and a dash of The Shape of Water.
Spoiler
Despite how fucked up it was that they had a historian alone carry the burden of all their memories as a people, in the end the wajinru live in a utopia free of the evils of humans. Unlike Black Americans, they don't face oppression in their own society. If only this were a reality.monsieur_tortue's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
magikskydad's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
5.0
divensar's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
doctabird's review against another edition
3.0
3.5
Didn't know this was inspired by a song by Clipping. Listened to the song immediately after finishing the book. The two together are a complete experience.
Didn't know this was inspired by a song by Clipping. Listened to the song immediately after finishing the book. The two together are a complete experience.