The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
zzara's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-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
3.75
This book was decent, but I found it very frustrating and somewhat circular. It was beautifully written, and I thought it was a lovely description of motherhood (not being a mother myself). However, the incessant emotional abuse of Karuna by her mother was honestly painful for me to read and some points, particularly when  her mother stole her money every single time she got her hands on some. This happened about three times. I guess abuse is frustrating but I felt as though the author laid the emotional abuse on very thick because it wasn't physical.
I also thought it was so frustrating and borderline unethical that she didn't tell Ray that she had his daughter - I just kinda think if you have someone's baby you have a moral obligation to let them know.
I did like Karuna and her mother's reconciliation, and how they ended up with a network of people around them.
I also thought it was so frustrating and borderline unethical that she didn't tell Ray that she had his daughter - I just kinda think if you have someone's baby you have a moral obligation to let them know.
I did like Karuna and her mother's
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Child abuse, and Pregnancy
Minor: Vomit, Sexual content, and Abortion
jtran's review
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-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
5.0
A honest and empathetic exploration of teenage pregnancy, challenging familial relationships and the tensions of growing up with a mixed ethnic/cultural background against the backdrop of ninties Australia. Equal parts nostalgic, cruel and uplifting.Â
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Pregnancy
Minor: Abortion, Alcoholism, and Adult/minor relationship
melzy__'s review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
4.5
Graphic: Pregnancy and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Blood and Medical content
Minor: Abortion, Vomit, Sexual harassment, Racial slurs, and Racism
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