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pam_simpson06's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Murder
Moderate: Body shaming, Drug use, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Minor: Cursing, Antisemitism, and Death of parent
sappypatheticm's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Mental illness, Misogyny, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Murder, and Gaslighting
221bpinkst's review against another edition
4.0
Minor: Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Racism, Antisemitism, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Gaslighting
sunny_not's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Racism, and Medical content
literatehedgehog's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Note. From the 1930s (late ish?). Content warnings -
Some quite dated, racist portrayals of Arabic people.
Mental and emotional abuse by a family member.
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Racism
pencils's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Graphic: Death and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Murder and Gaslighting
thequeeraunt's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Moderate: Emotional abuse
lauramcc7's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Murder
calliopereads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Murder
Minor: Racism and Antisemitism
zabeishumanish's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The murder victim of this book is a large and sickly old woman with several children and step-children. Throughout the first section, it becomes clear that she is a type of sadist and has been systematically breaking down, abusing, and controlling these children for their entire lives. There are graphic examples of mental abuse and even more graphic examples of the effects that abuse has had on the now adult children. It is explicit and painful. Had I not been determined to read this entire series I would have DNF'd the book. Upon reflection, I still should have DNF'd it, and taken the loss.
This may just be a matter of trigger warnings, so I'm trying not to affect my rating too harshly. The book is well-written, the crime is artful, and the mystery reveal is satisfying. I would though, advise caution when you consider reading this because the book hit my emotions far more than I was expecting.
There is also a lot of very casual racism toward the Arab characters in the book. I am sure this was standard speech for the time frame, but it is uncomfortable with modern sensibilities.
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Violence, Xenophobia, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Minor: Child abuse