augie_'s review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Xenophobia, Racism, Violence, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual violence, Trafficking, Grief, Sexual content, Racial slurs, Pregnancy, Physical abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Injury/Injury detail, Infidelity, Death, and Abortion
madarzoe's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Informative, multi-faceted and thought-provoking. Explores themes of race, feminism, love, forgiveness, family and the ways people fight to maintain their humanity during unthinkable times. At some points the writing sounded a bit like a college paper on the Vietnam War, but I appreciated the history lesson and the range of perspectives. The story flips between two main points in time and multiple character POVs, which made it feel like a fairly quick read and kept me interested, and the story built nicely towards a bit of a climax towards the end. I enjoyed how the author was able to leave me feeling more hopeful than depressed by the end, despite some very heavy topics and material.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Abandonment, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, and War
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