Scan barcode
siobhanward's review against another edition
- 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
3.0
On one hand, I appreciate that Adjei-Brenyah wanted to get a lot of messages into this book. By referring to real-life events, he tied it to reality in a way that made things seem even more bleak. However, beyond that, it was sometimes hard to see the impact of the book. The plotline with the abolitionists was interesting but it felt very under used, especially considering how often Adjei-Brenyah linked to real events. I think more focus on that would have made the book more impactful than it was, because as it was written, it felt confusing and overly bogged-down at points, which was too bad, since it was a really interesting premise.
Graphic: Death, Gore, Violence, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
indieleah's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Death, Torture, and Violence
Moderate: Racism, Self harm, Suicide, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Rape
moscat's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
It feels so visual and cinematic but I also can't imagine a way you could film this that wasn't wholly antithetical to what the book is saying.
It lays bare so many toxic aspects of our society, but in particular how we dehumanise criminals, perceive them as the crime not the person, and use that to justify horrific things.
Remember, folks, just because the law permits something doesn't mean it is in any way ethical or moral.
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Murder
Minor: Sexual assault
smithalexis035'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? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Death, Physical abuse, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Grief, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Gore, Pedophilia, Forced institutionalization, Death of parent, and Classism
solskxn's review against another edition
Due to the graphic self-harm depicted when a new character named Patricia enters the story, I've had to part ways with it.
However, for those who may have a stronger stomach and less personal, visceral reactions to this particular trigger, please note that I would have rated this book highly. The subject matter itself is obviously harrowing, and there's no reprieve in this novel thus far. But the subject is provoking in its vulnerable nature, pitting minorities against one another in a gruesome way. It uncovers the core of humanity's evil and failings.
The narrative is interesting, written from various characters' perspectives, and it's poetic, brutal, vulnerable, real, and gross. Even though I couldn't continue, I believe this book has great merit and is worth your time if you're brave enough. Meanwhile, I'll be off reading a nice little children's story to settle my stomach and my inner child."
Graphic: Death, Gore, Self harm, Torture, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
kimapede's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Confinement, Cursing, Death, Gore, Self harm, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Suicide, and Torture
Minor: Rape
mariahkc10's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Death, Racial slurs, Suicide, and Murder
isabelsophiex's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Death and Violence
Minor: Rape and Murder
ellen_is_reading's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Through the lense of a high-action murder game show this book delivers a sharp criticism of the American penal system. By using such an extreme framing point, we are shown all of the ways that the penal system has failed, continues to fail, and could fail in the future.
Incredibly human characters which force you to question your own complicity and limits of what kinds of punishment can be tolerated.
Rooted in real statistics and structures of the modern justice system, this story highlights racial disparities, harsh punishment practices, and all the ways that prisoners are seen as less-than and allowed to be harmed for it.
I will be thinking about this book and it's message for a very long time.
Graphic: Confinement, Cursing, Death, Homophobia, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Self harm, Slavery, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Police brutality, Grief, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Toxic relationship, Excrement, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, and Abandonment
Minor: Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, and Sexual content
theganewt's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Death, Self harm, Slavery, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail