thewellbitch's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Sexual content, Sexism, Drug abuse, and Drug use
Moderate: Child death, Alcohol, Sexual violence, Suicide, Sexual harassment, Misogyny, Homophobia, and Infidelity
faithe's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Graphic: Grief, Misogyny, Sexual violence, Sexual content, Miscarriage, Body horror, Death, Medical content, Animal death, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Addiction, Child death, Pregnancy, Sexism, Suicide, Homophobia, Infertility, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Mental illness, Self harm, Death of parent, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Blood, and Religious bigotry
audreyxine's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
My biggest criticism is the length. I would have preferred about 50 less pages. The momentum was hard to keep up, especially with all the jumping around between characters.
For anyone thinking about picking this one up, I strongly recommend binging it. It needs to be a fever dream in order to make sense.
Graphic: Rape, Sexism, Infertility, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Pregnancy, Addiction, Alcoholism, Body horror, Classism, Excrement, Infidelity, Grief, Homophobia, Suicide, Vomit, Child death, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, and Sexual violence
flamesocks'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
4.5
Graphic: Classism, Miscarriage, Addiction, Sexual assault, and Suicide
katewhite77's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Definitely not one for the kids though as adult content throughout and I would also recommend reading along with audio as it helps bring the sense of place and beautiful language alive.
Above all though it's overriding message is be kind to yourself and others.
Graphic: Sexual content, Cursing, and Suicide
Moderate: Miscarriage, Suicide, Colonisation, and Addiction
whatannikareads'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
4.25
the author was ambitious in her work, and I think that is why it's not for everyone, because you must be ambitious to finish the book. it took a lot of brain power to keep up with the names of characters, jumping across different timelines without warning and the switching of character perspectives. it is a slow read and at times it made me want to put it down. i think the ending was a bit quick compared to the rest of the book, given the fact it essentially takes place over 1 day. but since it took a lot of energy to complete it, I do feel satisfied in not having given up on it.
Moderate: Death, Sexual harassment, Addiction, Homophobia, Infertility, Infidelity, Sexual content, Body horror, Drug use, Medical content, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Pregnancy, and Suicide
rorikae's review against another edition
- 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
4.25
The people who live on Popisho each have their own touch of magic. This magic manifests as healing abilities, wings, and more, affecting their daily lives in ordinary and extraordinary ways. At the center of this novel are a few different characters whose stories intertwine with their community and the wider political machinations going on around them.
'Popisho' is one of the most beautifully written books I have ever read. Ross' prose is so precise while also being incredibly evocative. This, paired with distinct characters that are full of flaws but also full of heart, are what make this book special. The audiobook is read by Ross, which is rare for a fiction title. Her narration further elevates the text and brings the characters to life. I would highly recommend the audiobook though I do think it should be listened to when you have a good amount of time to pay attention. I listened while doing other things and found that I lost some of the plot points though I never lost appreciation for the characters and Ross' writing.
Graphic: Animal death, Toxic relationship, Infidelity, Mental illness, Sexual content, and Grief
Moderate: Suicide
daniella_s's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Miscarriage, Misogyny, and Addiction
Moderate: Suicide
carlyalynnsia'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
4.25
Moderate: Homophobia, Death, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicide, Sexual harassment, Sexism, Racism, and Body horror
jennikreads's review against another edition
4.5
Moderate: Alcohol, Drug use, Suicide, and Suicidal thoughts