masha_and_the_cat's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
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
4.25
If he were a real person, Barry would be absolutely insufferable - a conservative, a landlord, a homophobe and transphobe, someone happy to uphold a harmful status quo as long as they benefit from it. And yet, Ms Evaristo tells his story with such warmth and humour I couldn't help but be drawn into his world and cheer him on his journey towards self-acceptance.
The writing flows like honey, and the complexities of issues from internalised homophobia to post-natal depression are handled with grace and compassion.
This is also the first book I've ever read with a protagonist from Antigua and Barbuda, and I really appreciated the insight into this rich, vibrant culture.
The writing flows like honey, and the complexities of issues from internalised homophobia to post-natal depression are handled with grace and compassion.
This is also the first book I've ever read with a protagonist from Antigua and Barbuda, and I really appreciated the insight into this rich, vibrant culture.
Graphic: Infidelity, Alcohol, and Homophobia
Moderate: Mental illness, Death of parent, Death, and Grief
Minor: Cancer, Hate crime, Child death, Murder, Sexual content, Pregnancy, and Incest
zombiezami's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
5.0
This book was fantastic: beautifully written with complex characters. I found myself liking Barry in spite of myself. His attitudes rubbed me the wrong way and often reminded me of male family members whom I find exhausting. Even so, I found myself very entertained by him and feeling compassion for him as a human. I thought he was excellent as an untrustworthy narrator.
Graphic: Homophobia, Infidelity, and Alcohol
Moderate: Hate crime, Suicidal thoughts, Self harm, Racism, Eating disorder, Death of parent, Sexual content, Misogyny, Grief, and Mental illness
Minor: Sexual violence, Slavery, Domestic abuse, Colonisation, Drug use, Child death, and Police brutality
ageism
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