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hfleur's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Child abuse and Violence
Minor: Slavery and Murder
chaos_fairy'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? No
4.0
Evaristo infuses the narrative with modern language, a device I love in historical fiction when done well. Rather than using formal, ornate language common in historical fiction, Evaristo uses, modern slang, idioms and innuendos, differing speech patterns for peasants and merchants, soldiers and senators — far from what some might call historical inaccuracy (what would be accurate about Roman Britain speaking anything close to 20th century English, anyway?), the contemporary storytelling allows a more authentic relationship between the reader and the characters.
The writing is well-paced and entertaining, and both witty and insightful. It deals with difficult topics — Zuleika is married and experiences sex as a girl, before she can learn to understand desire. But it also paints a world where pleasure, joy and love are always possible.
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship and Child abuse
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Slavery, Violence, Toxic friendship, and Colonisation
lucys_library's review against another edition
4.5
Moderate: Body horror, Death, Domestic abuse, Racial slurs, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, and Blood
schorlett'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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship and Violence
Moderate: Child abuse, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Toxic relationship, Trafficking, Kidnapping, and War
lenin_lover_69'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
2.5
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship and Violence
Moderate: Rape
bethsbookshelf'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
4.75
It took me a while to get into the rhythm of the poetic writing, but once you learn the author's style, it's simply the most lovely thing. Mix that with the brutal content and graphic scenes of the book, and it's truly something so jarring (in a good way).
I absolutely loved watching the main character explore her sexuality and take ownership of it throughout the novel. The sex scenes were so original, too. The author really knows how to play with language.
I recommend this book, especially for first time novel-in-verse readers. It's incredible.
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body horror, Child abuse, Infidelity, Rape, Sexism, Sexual content, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Death, Gore, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, and Murder
Minor: Toxic relationship
bookedbymadeline's review against another edition
- 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
3.5
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Infidelity, and Sexual content
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Confinement, Slavery, and Violence
Minor: Rape
hardcoverhearts's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Confinement, Death, Gore, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, and Vomit
This book takes place in London when Romans occupied it and it was called Londinium. There is a brutal and horrific coliseum scene of death for sport in all sorts of forms. It’s powerful and effective in how it impacts the narrator. But rough to read.