Reviews tagging 'Suicidal thoughts'

The Days of Afrekete by Asali Solomon

7 reviews

jettyready's review

funny lighthearted mysterious reflective sad fast-paced

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

4.5

This was a rapid-paced novel, filled with straight forward prose, a mysterious plot & a powerful rendering of characters that alternates at first & then overlaps.  It’s sexy on it’s periphery, travels through & collapses time lightening fast and left me wondering and satisfied by it’s conclusion. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Suicidal thoughts

rynicolereads's review

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.75

This was a spontaneous library pick and it ended up being pretty good! Before reading it, I had no idea Solomon was inspired by Mrs. Dalloway and Sula. Personally I wouldn't say it's on the same level as Morrison or Woolf, but there were a few moments that reminded me of both. Also loved the short chapters lol. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and Mental illness

Minor: Abortion

brittanyrbell's review

dark mysterious medium-paced

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

3.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Suicidal thoughts

krys_kilz's review

emotional reflective medium-paced

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

5.0

This book is a love letter to Philadelphia and Black queer love. I loved all the allusions and historical references woven throughout and the subtle cultural critique biting through each page. 

In the words of Danielle Evans review: "Asali Solomon illuminates what it means to grow away from what felt like the truest version of yourself, what the way back might look like, what Black women in particular are asked to give up, and what it might mean to refuse."

Overall, I think this was an incredible story with sharp prose and layered characters. I am excited to read Solomon's other works. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Mental illness and Suicidal thoughts

Moderate: Sexual content, Racism, and Self harm

Minor: Abortion and Fatphobia

marnold's review

mysterious reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, and Forced institutionalization

Minor: Racism and Abortion

kah296's review

dark reflective sad slow-paced

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

4.0

I really enjoyed this book, but wish it were longer. The book goes back and forth between the past and the present (a dinner party hosted by the narrator) and I finished the book wishing for more of both. It reminded me in some ways of Detransition Baby in that it felt to me like the individual characters were a bit lost to the social commentary, in a way that worked for both books but I could see falling flat in others. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Suicidal thoughts

maxinesf's review

emotional reflective 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

3.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Mental illness and Suicidal thoughts

Moderate: Racism

Minor: Alcoholism, Toxic relationship, and Abortion