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shoelace's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Death, Emotional abuse, Terminal illness, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Medical content, Dementia, Religious bigotry, and Lesbophobia
theliteraryteapot's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Whilst not an easy read (especially as a bi woman) because the story is told through the pov of a homophobic mother, I'm glad I read this book. This short novel has a certain ambition, trying to examine several aspects of society. Homophobia, heteronormativity, ageism, poverty/low-paid job, loneliness, generational trauma (particularly passed on from mother to daughter), traditionalist society, the treatment of patients in a retirement home, ...
Maybe not perfect, this book still is quite significant, an important read. This story may feel like it's been done before but to me, growing up in a rural environment with homophobic family members, this is sadly a little too relatable (even down to the care assitant job).
Maybe not perfect, this book still is quite significant, an important read. This story may feel like it's been done before but to me, growing up in a rural environment with homophobic family members, this is sadly a little too relatable (even down to the care assitant job).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Body horror, Death, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Sexism, Blood, Excrement, Medical content, Dementia, and Lesbophobia
Minor: Classism
sakisreads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
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
4.0
✨ Gifted ✨
This is a book I kept picking up and then changing my mind on, so I was so grateful when my friend bought me a copy 🥹
Content warnings are included below!
I have been very interested in reading Korean literature and recently read ‘Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982’ which was also translated by Jamie Chang (thank you) ❤️
This book also touches upon feminism. I also came to learn more about motherhood and Korean societal pressures to conform.
I really liked Jen and Lane throughout the story, and even Green’s mum warmed me. She thought she had made her mind up but no, people can always change their minds and be more forgiving 🥹
So happy to see queer Korean literature as well 🏳️🌈 4 out of 5 stars for me, thank you ✨
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Homophobia, Lesbophobia, and Classism
beanwa's review against another edition
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
I didn't really enjoy this book. I stuck with it, but I found it a bit boring. I didn't really see all that much character development from the mother, and I don't really feel like much had really changed by the end. I also agree with some other reviews, that the description of Jen's health were kind of gratuitous. I also didn't really get what the author was trying to do by contrasting caring for Jen and the mother's relationship with Lane and Green. Basically, this book is meh.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Homophobia, and Violence
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