berthe's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Mental illness, Homophobia, Toxic friendship, Xenophobia, Infidelity, Body shaming, Toxic relationship, Biphobia, Violence, Death of parent, Murder, Misogyny, Outing, and Suicidal thoughts
zeynepbinbasioglu's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Xenophobia, Biphobia, and Suicidal thoughts
sarahbethhh's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Moderate: Sexism, Homophobia, Alcohol, and Biphobia
theremightbecupcakes'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
5.0
Graphic: Body shaming, Alcohol, Death, Murder, Alcoholism, Biphobia, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Gaslighting, Grief, Toxic relationship, Transphobia, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, and Misogyny
Moderate: Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Xenophobia, Sexual content, Rape, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Transphobia, and Violence
mirandyli's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Spoiler
David, the main character, is written as a white, toxically masculine figure struggling with the indecisiveness and insecurity of being bisexual. This struggle still resonates today. Men like David are still everywhere. Every toxic decision he made just made me hate him so much more. He claims to love Giovanni passionately one minute, and the next minute he wants to rip Giovanni apart. When he voices his hatred of Giovanni, he's really voicing his hatred of himself. He is so unable to accept his queerness and hangs desperately onto his toxic masculinity, until eventually, he has hurt everyone who ever loved him. Giovanni isn't perfect by any means (exhibiting some pretty borderline behavior when he repeatedly states that if David leaves him, he'll die), but he still loves David despite his empty promises and lies. The book is a cautionary tale to not be a huge asshole, especially towards those who love you.Spoiler
I often wondered why James Baldwin only chose to address either race or sexuality in his novels, but not both. After reading this book I kind of understand why. There is so much shit going on for David, and the tone of the book would have changed if he weren't white.Graphic: Alcohol, Death, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Biphobia, Infidelity, Suicidal thoughts, and Homophobia
charming_killerqueen's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Homophobia
Moderate: Violence, Death, and Biphobia
Minor: Transphobia
jaiari12's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Biphobia, Infidelity, Sexism, Alcohol, Homophobia, Murder, and Sexual content
pyronautphea's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Alcohol, Homophobia, and Death
Moderate: Fatphobia, Sexual content, Murder, Biphobia, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Miscarriage
rachelsuzuko's review against another edition
- 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
4.75
Moderate: Alcoholism, Biphobia, Homophobia, Murder, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Sexual content
stardiver's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Minor: Misogyny, Transphobia, and Biphobia