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spadefootfrog's review against another edition
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Graphic: Child abuse
Moderate: Animal death, Domestic abuse, Sexism, and Xenophobia
gellyreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Violence, and Xenophobia
abi_laura's review against another edition
- 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
4.25
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Racial slurs, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Physical abuse
fernwormreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, and Violence
Minor: Xenophobia
esme_may's review against another edition
3.5
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Cursing, Death, Racial slurs, Racism, Xenophobia, and Classism
Minor: Pedophilia, Religious bigotry, Murder, and Alcohol
pineapple_queen's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Xenophobia
Minor: Homophobia
breauseph's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Grief, Lesbophobia, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
tinyblkbird's review against another edition
2.25
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Racism, and Xenophobia
revenant_tomato's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Graphic: Child abuse
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Misogyny, and Xenophobia
brucethegirl's review against another edition
What I think I loved most about this book, as an Anthropology student, was the way even the professor ignored the blatant evidence in favor of "roughing it" with a fellow ancient briton enthusiast. While a number of times, he explains to the father that "well no, they wouldn't have eaten with their hands, that just doesn't make sense." He also is more than happy to let her father dictate what the camp does and focus solely on hunting and discussing fighting.
Then there are the more obvious- the theme of abuse and sexism. How Sylvie's father believes if he goes far enough back in British history, he'll reach a time of purity. He is a cruel, hateful, small man. The way the book handles the theme of abuse of power is so well done. I get angry just thinking about it. But I also remember how powerless I felt while reading. Moss really captures that helpless, overwhelming fear so well. She is able to light that fire so subtle that you don't notice until it's burned as bright as a forest fire in your soul. You hate this little man and how he uses his strength not to protect what he cares about- but to make sure they remember he is strong. He feels weak in other areas of his life and needs the people in his life to remind him he's strong. He is what evil incarnate means. Not just for his closed minded beliefs, but because he takes joy in the pain and suffering of his child and his wife. He is glad when Sylvie can't sit down because of the wounds he inflicted on her. He is happy when his family is hungry. He literally makes me so angry.
Which brings me to my only issue with this book- the end. It just cuts off. There's no resolution- and I know its because this is the early 90s and at the end of the day, its very likely no justice would have been served. A time when abuse "within reason" was still allowed from both parents and schools. Even if the nature of the crime, and photo evidence, were well beyond reasonable, especially as there was no "just cause" for the abuse. I like to believe he served jail time, but that also leaves the question of where Sylvie will go. Where will she stay? Very likely her mother won't allow her home. Too warped by the father. I hope she stays with Molly, and is able to see the world.
Graphic: Animal death, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Violence, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Racism, Sexism, and Xenophobia