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ashlynmae311's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
Moderate: Sexual assault, Violence, and Classism
Minor: Alcoholism
scmiller's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Infidelity, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexual assault, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Police brutality, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Body horror, Bullying, Misogyny, Blood, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
rorikae's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
'Liberation Day' by George Saunders is a thought-provoking short story collection that delves into topics such as how we participate in systems, political propaganda, how we view others, and more. The collection spans from longer pieces to shorter pieces that intersperse the longer ones. I personally found that the longer pieces were my favorites because Saunders was allowed the time to more fully explore worlds and in the process convey more commentary. My two personal favorite stories in the collection are the titular Liberation Day, which comments on participation in systems, classism, and personal autonomy. My other favorite is Elliott Spencer, which discusses political propaganda, bodily autonomy, and the lengths people will go to to make a point. I found the shorter stories less affecting, especially those that were more realistic. Where Saunders blends speculative elements with commentary are where I feel that his writing shines. If you have been a fan of Saunders work in the past, I definitely recommend this collection. It has a lot of meaty ideas to chew on and I'll be thinking about them for quite some time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, Gaslighting, and Classism
Minor: Cancer and Death of parent