phantomgecko's review against another edition

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medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

On one hand, it's a fascinating retelling of parts of Genesis.

On the other hand, I greatly disagree with some of the characterization/explanations/actions. It really felt like the author just wanted to take biblical people and smear them as much as possible because she can. "Look, your biblical figures were horrible people with no actual redeeming qualities." The female characters were lifted onto pedestals at the expense of the morality of the men.

idk, I think depicting Rebekah as a pagan priestess  bothered me the most. My girl Rebekah was a righteous, chosen woman. It does her so dirty to have her act cruelly with family and despise her husband while she runs the moon temple. It's not empowering or feminist. It sucks. Obviously she wasn't a perfect person, but when you're righting a novel exploring characters, why would you choose to make her wicked?

Again, there were some really cool parts of this novel. Some perspectives were great, the relationship between Jacob's wives was actually delightful. But a lot of the book felt spiteful.

Reading statements from the author makes me feel better about things. Still not my favorite book tho.

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alliegator13's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Beautiful historical fiction. Well- researched.  a dozen complex female characters who are decision-makers. Lyrical writing. 

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emilyjeanne's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0


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smallredboy's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

It's a beautifully written book; some parts were a bit of a lull and I didn't find myself liking them, mostly the sudden end to Dinah and Shelem's romance, but afterward the book took shape again and I found it really enjoyable. As much as I'm only woman-adjacent nowadays, the depictions of womanhood and mother-daughter relationships were really tender and I loved them.

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el_pacheco's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0


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claudiajades's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5


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kateausten's review against another edition

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emotional reflective medium-paced

5.0


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kaylamoran's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional inspiring sad slow-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

I almost DNF's this but I'm so glad I didn't.  That ending... damn.

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breadwitchery's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0


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sashafriese's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0


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