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kimreadz's review against another edition
I just couldn't get interested in this one. The characters weren't relatable and the descriptions far too detailed. The story dragged too much and I gave up on it.
javita's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- 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? No
4.0
namelikescrabble's review against another edition
5.0
Where to start with this book? Probably where I usually do, with the characters. In this book, they are an apt place to begin. Personality is not lost in this sweeping tale of slavery, rebellion and family, as Allende confronts the Haitian slave revolt with style and grace. Of all the women in this book, and there are a few, the Europeans come off by far the worse, Tété, the protagonist and sometimes narrator, is an honest and refreshing voice, a strong character who gained my trust from the opening lines. Stood beside her various mistresses and "superiors", she embodied hard fought freedom and confidence, likewise with Violette Boisier.
By turns, I found this book engrossing and shocking. It is not a book for the faint hearted, I will admit, but the tale justifies the telling. The sultry heat of the Caribbean oozes from the pages of this book. Every character is created individual, and the writing has a certain kick to it often lacking in big-casted historical fiction such as this book. Relationships are explored and investigated, slaves and their owners, lovers, men and their mistresses, soldiers and their causes, brothers and sisters, mothers, wives, friends and enemies, each play their part in this saga. And yet, despite the intricacies, none of these relationships, (often unconventional and challenging to me as a modern reader) ever felt like set pieces.
All in all, a marvellous story, and a truly worthwhile read!
By turns, I found this book engrossing and shocking. It is not a book for the faint hearted, I will admit, but the tale justifies the telling. The sultry heat of the Caribbean oozes from the pages of this book. Every character is created individual, and the writing has a certain kick to it often lacking in big-casted historical fiction such as this book. Relationships are explored and investigated, slaves and their owners, lovers, men and their mistresses, soldiers and their causes, brothers and sisters, mothers, wives, friends and enemies, each play their part in this saga. And yet, despite the intricacies, none of these relationships, (often unconventional and challenging to me as a modern reader) ever felt like set pieces.
All in all, a marvellous story, and a truly worthwhile read!
hibridnameteorka's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- 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
domigaet's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
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
4.0
mzzclaire's review against another edition
5.0
I read this book about 5 years ago, and I still think about it from time to time. That's how deeply it resonated with me. To think that could have been me if I was born in another time. Haiti is still heavily at a point of unrest, there is no silver lining for this story. Perhaps you have to have been through a similar struggle to understand, sometimes there is no glass-half full conclusion. In any case, I do remember picking up a lighter read after this one to change the direction of my thoughts. I do not remember how I came across this novel as I usually avoid such heavy content as it affects me so emotionally, but I am a better person and reader for it and the conversations it has caused me to spark with others about such topics.
adz864's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- 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
3.5
mad_didas's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
4.5
camillarose's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- 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
4.5
randomkaramazov's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0