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molly_dettmann's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
4.0
What a dark read that sheds light on 4 older teens as they struggle in the poverty and violence that surrounds them on the island of Mauritius. Its short but powerful prose makes this a story I couldn’t put down and also will not forget.
beychella's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
mgreer56's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-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? It's complicated
5.0
brighteyed's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
smesnake's review
dark
emotional
sad
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
4.5
moon___dude's review
challenging
dark
tense
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Sexual violence
therazzmatazz13's review against another edition
dark
sad
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? No
3.5
sam_bizar_wilcox's review against another edition
4.0
Dazzling. Ananda Devi's depiction of adolescent angst in the impoverished Troumaron neighborhood in Port-Louis, Mauritius is deeply evocative and alluring. Devi's style is highly lyrical - characters' thoughts are flighty meditations on trauma, inequality, and love. With high language, the mess of emotions is so effectively captured that the depths of teenage despair the titular character faces seem to escape the page. Devi alludes to Rimbaud throughout the novel, and this book really is a season in hell, but a moving and essential account of a city and a coming of age on the outskirts of a typical field of view. Devastating and brutal.
karinlib's review against another edition
4.0
Devi has written a tale of 4 teenagers growing up in Troumaron, a neighborhood of Port Louis, Mauritius. A neighborhood that the tourists don't ever see.
It is the story of poverty from which there is no escape, unless they can somehow fly away. The story is haunting and beautiful, despite the cruelty described, Devi's beautiful prose shines through.
It is the story of poverty from which there is no escape, unless they can somehow fly away. The story is haunting and beautiful, despite the cruelty described, Devi's beautiful prose shines through.