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ameliafr7's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, and Murder
Moderate: Sexism, Terminal illness, Blood, Police brutality, Stalking, Death of parent, Alcohol, and War
Minor: Sexual violence
captaincocanutty's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
There are very immersive moments that make it worth reading, and it's clear the author spent time in Iraq during the end of the reign of Saddam. The beginning and ending of the novel had me invested in what happened to the characters, but I felt like in the middle the author was trying to make a 300 page count, because it dragged and I was definitely skimming in some parts. There were also a few paragraphs that reappeared word for word in a couple different chapters.
The book is interesting enough, but I think some changes to the editing could have made it a lot more engaging.
Graphic: Gun violence
Moderate: Alcoholism, Police brutality, Religious bigotry, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Rape, Torture, and War
greatexpectations77's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Graphic: Bullying, Police brutality, and Stalking
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Xenophobia, Grief, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, War, and Classism
Minor: Death, Gun violence, Kidnapping, and Alcohol
kerrireads'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
Minor: Alcoholism, Death, Gun violence, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, Police brutality, Grief, Stalking, and Murder
teacupsandfirereads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The plot felt like it could be an impactful book, that was emotional and engaging. For me, it did not end like that. The writing was well developed; however, the characters didn't draw me in and engage me. I felt like this would be a dark book, but it felt hazy, like I wasn't truly there and I think that's what it needed, at least for me.
I did find I learned something from this story, which for me is important for a book of this sort. Of a time and place I have no relation to, nor in-depth knowledge.
Than kyou to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for a honest review.
Moderate: Violence and Police brutality
madelonpaige's review against another edition
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Moderate: Gore, Violence, and Police brutality
Minor: Gun violence