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amino's review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
fast-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
Other than the fact that there could’ve been a little more room for character development had there been more grace afforded to August, I was completely blown away by this book. I wish I had the words to describe how much. I borrowed it from the library but it’ll definitely be a permanent addition to my personal collection at some point. It handles so many things I know all too well with a level of expert care that had me near tears throughout. While those who meant well showed and expressed as much, it wasn’t enough. I’m in awe that this is a debut work and I can’t wait to read more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Homophobia, Violence, and Suicide attempt
bojosephh's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
brilliant. the ending felt a little didactic. which makes sense. Ani Kayode Somtochukwu is primarily an activist, and it jives that his first novel would be an argument for activism as a necessary mode for life. the ending while not feeling unearned, however, seems to buck against the style of the novel. it feels too neat, too pat. if this is where Ani was going, a different style might have been better. none of this detracts from its necessity as essential reading for anyone trying to understand queer African life as resistance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Homophobia, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Religious bigotry, and Suicide attempt
emmas_bookshelf's review against another edition
dark
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
5.0
As the synopsis indicates, this powerful story touches on a lot of really tough topics - homophobia, violence against LGBTQ+ folks, straining against family and cultural expectations, and more. All that said, it was an excellent read and it gave me a lot to think about and a sliver of insight into a culture that’s totally foreign to me. I appreciate the author illuminating these subjects and doing it with writing that is intimate and beautifully written. CWs for all the stuff mentioned above and also suicide.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Hate crime, Homophobia, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, and Alcohol