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ellielep's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I had to read this for uni but wow did it leave an impression! Yan’s writing is a fascinating critique of the Great Famine resulting from the Cultural Revolution. It’s definitely not for those who are easily disturbed, but should be essential reading for anyone interested in modern Chinese history. Just be warned it’s extremely graphic especially in the second half of the book set during the famine.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Excrement, Cannibalism, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Religious bigotry
jennylomax's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Incredible but brutal.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Self harm, Sexual violence, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Cannibalism, and Injury/Injury detail