cjslinger's review
5.0
This is one of the most interesting books that I've read over the past few years. The characters are well written and the story pulled me along well. it's a book that will be in my head for a while.
teacupsandfirereads's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I absolutely loved Leduc's non fiction memoir Disfigured. When I learned she had written fiction, I wanted to read it to. Fantasy is definitely not something I am drawn to and this one I struggled with particularly. The writing is well done for a debut novel. The storyline and characters are what I struggled with. I really felt no connection or interest, but pushed on because I felt as an author Leduc deserves to be recognized.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Physical abuse, and Emotional abuse
kopratic's review
4.0
There's a discussion to be had in this book about conditions that are ignored or downplayed by many people -- but that severely affect those who suffer from them. "You don't look like anything is wrong," even though you can feel the wings constantly on your back, growing every day. The commentary is mostly in the subtext, but I think the book does a great job with it. On the flipside, we also get witness to an incredibly violent relationship from another POV. We see how the relationship turns from controlling to violent to manipulative. It's an unhealthy relationship that isn't portrayed as anything but.
This book is both bleak and hopeful. There are parts that I think will be difficult for some to get through. But after reading this one, I'm really interested to see about this author's future books.
This book is both bleak and hopeful. There are parts that I think will be difficult for some to get through. But after reading this one, I'm really interested to see about this author's future books.
bramblinggs's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- 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
2.75
This is one of those books where I really need more understanding of a topic before dipping into it, because I think that’s when it can shine …….. because as it is, I’m sure I’m missing a lot of themes/ allegory or whatever because of my lack of understanding wrt Catholic theology. Built atop a framework of biblical allusions, Leduc writes with an elegantly clear, crystalline voice. She writes beautifully? - something reminiscent of glasswork in the way she puts her words together but anyways, … There’s some deeply unnerving stuff that goes on here; and she examines humanity’s relationship with God, the meaning of faith through the body horror plot line of a poor dude who woke up one day and started turning into an angel, and there’s this parallel plot line of a character being put through a horrifically violent relationship with her shitty boss (who unfortunately comes off to me like a paper cutout of those sadistic ultra rich dommy characters) who is supposed to be a stand-in for the devil (or one of his minions?) - or maybe it’s an allusion to how apparently crap some passages of the Bible are wrt treatment of women. Tbh I’ve no idea what the hell was going on in the book most of the time and the ending of the book is left ambiguously open ……….. I guess it’s supposed to be an example of the whole “God isn’t heavy on explaining/ unknowable” theme the book keeps running with……..?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Body horror, and Emotional abuse
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