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genstrong's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Bullying, Chronic illness, Death, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual content, and Grief
Minor: Hate crime, Homophobia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicide, Police brutality, Murder, and Pregnancy
anniefwrites's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
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
This was my first James Baldwin, and WOW. Moving plot, language that sucks you right in, vivid interior worlds of all the characters. What a magnificent writer. I especially loved the parts where I got to live inside the mind of such a tender, confused, emotional boy. The way the story concluded wasn’t what I expected, and it’s going to be a while until I can unravel my complex feelings about it. But all in all, Baldwin has such a strong yet delicate voice, and I’m looking forward to reading more of his work.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual content, Suicide, Grief, Religious bigotry, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Blood, Death of parent, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Minor: Chronic illness, Homophobia, Infertility, Vomit, Police brutality, Pregnancy, and War