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jess_always_reading's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5
Additionally, while I have loved complex characters who are deeply flawed in the past, Desta just comes across as completely self-absorbed to the point where Elias loses dimensionality. There's very little I could tell you about Elias because we just don't see a lot of exploration of his character despite this apparently incredible love they have for each other and the complex experiences he has had (the unsafe environment for queer people feels like it's treated as a convenient plot device).
There are also several instances where Elias could really use Desta's support and he ends up being the one to comfort and support Desta, exceptionally problematic when you consider that Desta wants to become a social worker (I'm one myself so this was really upsetting).
Honestly, I also really wanted more of Ethiopia! This was supposed to be a love letter to the country and I don't feel like the setting was explored enough. We get some surface-level descriptions and really inconsistent ones at that.
Lastly, the writing/character voices were rough. It felt very juvenile for two adult characters and we (the reader) were constantly being force-fed information (telling instead of showing).
I know this is Herrera's first novel so I have hope for her later work. I'm just left wanting so much more with Finding Joy.
Would not recommend.
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Homophobia, Misogyny, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Colonisation
amberinpieces'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
3.75
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Cursing, Homophobia, Infidelity, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent, Alcohol, and Classism
danajoy's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia and Racism
duckyreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Homophobia and Death of parent
Moderate: Racism
emily_mh'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: Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia, Racism, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Ableism, Death, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Misogyny, Slavery, Violence, Outing, and Colonisation
bookishchloe's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Homophobia
Moderate: Bullying, Racism, and Grief