Reviews tagging 'Sexism'

Chouette by Claire Oshetsky

4 reviews

inlaraland's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I was discussing "fever dream" books when a follower recommended that I check out "Chouette". I had no expectations when I started listening to the audiobook, but by the end I was incredibly moved by this unique story that focuses on a mother's love. "Chouette" follows our main protagonist Tiny, who finds herself pregnant with an owl-baby after having cheated on her husband with her owl-lover (yes, you read that correctly). When Tiny's baby is born, she enters the world as a predatory, strange creature trying to find her place in the world. Tiny vows to care for and love Chouette with all her heart despite protests from her husband who simply wants to "fix" his daughter. 

Chouette is a a story of a mother's love and determination. Through the whimsical imagery and magical realism, the author describes the emotional journey between Tiny and her child. There were moments that were shocking, bittersweet, affectionate and horrific but they all reinforce Tiny's devotion to Chouette. 

This book felt like an experience. I thought it had such a unique take on exploring the themes of identity, motherhood, ableism, and sacrifice. The writing itself is like a night at the orchestra, which makes sense considering Tiny is a cellist and classical music plays a key role as a device throughout the story. Overall, I thought it was a stellar novel and highly recommend it to those who enjoy out of the ordinary fiction. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Sexism and Pregnancy

dannysercia's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

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

3.0

While to writing in this book is very beautiful at times, using wild animals as a metaphor for raising an autistic child seems pretty ableist. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Ableism, Sexism, Sexual assault, Violence, Blood, Excrement, and Abortion

beatboxboyfriend's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Blood, Excrement, and Pregnancy

Moderate: Mental illness, Sexism, and Abortion

mermaidsherbet's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional fast-paced

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

2.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal death, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Toxic relationship, Violence, Medical content, Medical trauma, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail

Moderate: Ableism, Animal cruelty, Body horror, Child abuse, Confinement, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Excrement, Vomit, Grief, and Pregnancy

Minor: Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Sexual content, Religious bigotry, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Abandonment