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beriboo's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
"Fire Rush" by Jacqueline Crooks is an exquisite tapestry of storytelling that immerses readers in the vibrant world of Jamaican culture and the diaspora in 1970s England, pulsating with life, love, and the fire within. Crooks weaves a narrative that dances between history, culture, and the deeply personal, creating a mesmerising literary experience.
One of the book's standout strengths is Crooks' mastery in the art of character description. Each character in "Fire Rush" is vividly brought to life, with a level of detail that makes them feel like old friends or terrifying threats. The nuances of their personalities, desires, and struggles are so meticulously portrayed that you can almost hear their voices and feel their presence. Even for those characters that are the "villains" in the story, Crooks' ability to write such depth to these characters results in an understanding towards their behaviour, even though you hold a strong feeling of dislike.
At the heart of the story is the remarkable main character, Yamaye. Crooks not only crafts a protagonist but a living, breathing soul. The love for Yamaye is palpable throughout the narrative, as the author skillfully delves into her innermost thoughts and emotions. You don't just read about Yamaye; you feel her joys, sorrows, and triumphs as if they were your own. The connection with her is so profound that you can't help but root for her at every twist and turn.
One of the most captivating aspects of "Fire Rush" is the use of patois in the prose. Crooks seamlessly incorporates the Jamaican patois into the dialogue and narration, adding an authentic and rhythmic layer to the narrative. This linguistic choice not only enhances the cultural richness of the story but also immerses the reader more deeply into the characters' lives. The patois becomes a vibrant and expressive tool, capturing the cadence of everyday life and enriching the narrative with the true essence of Jamaican culture.
The prose in "Fire Rush" is nothing short of poetic. Crooks employs a lyrical and rhythmic style that elevates the narrative to a sensory experience. The words flow with an almost musical quality, enhancing the reader's immersion into the rich tapestry of Jamaican culture and history. The beauty of the prose lies not only in what is said but in how it is said, evoking emotions that linger long after the final page is turned.
However, the story falls just shy of a perfect 5-star rating due to the inclusion of some instances of sexual violence halfway through the book. While not pervasive, these scenes were personally unsettling, and they affected my overall enjoyment of an otherwise beautifully crafted narrative. This is, of course, a subjective response, but it is worth noting for readers who may share similar sensitivities.
One of the book's standout strengths is Crooks' mastery in the art of character description. Each character in "Fire Rush" is vividly brought to life, with a level of detail that makes them feel like old friends or terrifying threats. The nuances of their personalities, desires, and struggles are so meticulously portrayed that you can almost hear their voices and feel their presence. Even for those characters that are the "villains" in the story, Crooks' ability to write such depth to these characters results in an understanding towards their behaviour, even though you hold a strong feeling of dislike.
At the heart of the story is the remarkable main character, Yamaye. Crooks not only crafts a protagonist but a living, breathing soul. The love for Yamaye is palpable throughout the narrative, as the author skillfully delves into her innermost thoughts and emotions. You don't just read about Yamaye; you feel her joys, sorrows, and triumphs as if they were your own. The connection with her is so profound that you can't help but root for her at every twist and turn.
One of the most captivating aspects of "Fire Rush" is the use of patois in the prose. Crooks seamlessly incorporates the Jamaican patois into the dialogue and narration, adding an authentic and rhythmic layer to the narrative. This linguistic choice not only enhances the cultural richness of the story but also immerses the reader more deeply into the characters' lives. The patois becomes a vibrant and expressive tool, capturing the cadence of everyday life and enriching the narrative with the true essence of Jamaican culture.
The prose in "Fire Rush" is nothing short of poetic. Crooks employs a lyrical and rhythmic style that elevates the narrative to a sensory experience. The words flow with an almost musical quality, enhancing the reader's immersion into the rich tapestry of Jamaican culture and history. The beauty of the prose lies not only in what is said but in how it is said, evoking emotions that linger long after the final page is turned.
However, the story falls just shy of a perfect 5-star rating due to the inclusion of some instances of sexual violence halfway through the book. While not pervasive, these scenes were personally unsettling, and they affected my overall enjoyment of an otherwise beautifully crafted narrative. This is, of course, a subjective response, but it is worth noting for readers who may share similar sensitivities.
In conclusion, "Fire Rush" is a triumph in storytelling. Jacqueline Crooks has crafted a narrative that not only paints a vivid picture of Jamaica but also captures the essence of the human spirit. With characters that leap off the page, a protagonist who becomes a cherished companion, and prose that dances with grace, "Fire Rush" is a literary gem that will leave readers yearning for more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, and Police brutality
Moderate: Racism, Death of parent, and Toxic friendship
hadsbaker's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Police brutality, and Grief
ukponge's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-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? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, Death of parent, Abandonment, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Homophobia
kirstym25's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Rape, and Police brutality
miss_stephenson's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
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? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Sexual harassment
brmills's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Police brutality, Grief, and Murder
yourssincerelyemma's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Drug use, and Violence
deedireads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
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? No
4.0
All my reviews live at https://deedispeaking.com/reads/.
TL;DR REVIEW:
Fire Rush is an impressive debut, with an undeniably electric voice and propulsive energy that really makes it stand out. I thought the pacing was a bit uneven, but I still liked it and I’m glad I read it.
For you if: You like books that highlight underrepresented perspectives from recent history.
FULL REVIEW:
I may never have read Fire Rush if not for the fact that it was shortlisted for the Women’s Prize. And though it wasn’t my favorite from the list, it’s impossible to deny the electric voice and propulsive energy Crooks has created.
The main character is a young woman named Yamaye, a second-generation member of the Jamaican diaspora living in West London in the late 1970s (the early days of Margaret Thatcher). She’s a regular of the local underground dub scene (literally, they go to a place called The Crypt and it’s in a crypt) alongside others for whom music is survival, and losing yourself is the only way to feel alive. But soon tragedy, injustice, and an increasingly hostile carceral state uproot her life, taking her to Bristol and eventually Jamaica.
I can absolutely see why this book is being praised; it has a strong, strong voice, and it crackles with rage and grief and life. This was particularly true in the audiobook experience; Yamaye’s narrator was the perfect fit and the producers included just the right (light) touch of effect to bring her music/club scene to life. Crooks makes it possible for us to take a hard look at the Black British experience of those years; them vs “Babylon.”
I think, for me, what kept this book from going on the “love” pile was some uneven pacing. It felt like it took the actual story a really long time to start, even though the narration had plenty of energy. Then as the plot picked up and I became invested in the story, some of that initial crackling energy waned.
But still, an extremely impressive debut. Glad I read it!
TL;DR REVIEW:
Fire Rush is an impressive debut, with an undeniably electric voice and propulsive energy that really makes it stand out. I thought the pacing was a bit uneven, but I still liked it and I’m glad I read it.
For you if: You like books that highlight underrepresented perspectives from recent history.
FULL REVIEW:
I may never have read Fire Rush if not for the fact that it was shortlisted for the Women’s Prize. And though it wasn’t my favorite from the list, it’s impossible to deny the electric voice and propulsive energy Crooks has created.
The main character is a young woman named Yamaye, a second-generation member of the Jamaican diaspora living in West London in the late 1970s (the early days of Margaret Thatcher). She’s a regular of the local underground dub scene (literally, they go to a place called The Crypt and it’s in a crypt) alongside others for whom music is survival, and losing yourself is the only way to feel alive. But soon tragedy, injustice, and an increasingly hostile carceral state uproot her life, taking her to Bristol and eventually Jamaica.
I can absolutely see why this book is being praised; it has a strong, strong voice, and it crackles with rage and grief and life. This was particularly true in the audiobook experience; Yamaye’s narrator was the perfect fit and the producers included just the right (light) touch of effect to bring her music/club scene to life. Crooks makes it possible for us to take a hard look at the Black British experience of those years; them vs “Babylon.”
I think, for me, what kept this book from going on the “love” pile was some uneven pacing. It felt like it took the actual story a really long time to start, even though the narration had plenty of energy. Then as the plot picked up and I became invested in the story, some of that initial crackling energy waned.
But still, an extremely impressive debut. Glad I read it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Police brutality, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Death of parent
qqjj's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Xenophobia, Police brutality, Trafficking, Grief, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
jouljet's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Drug use, Racism, Rape, Self harm, Police brutality, Grief, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail