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readr_joe's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Sexual assault, and Toxic relationship
empoleon's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Lately, I've been fascinated by novels that dip in and out of reality, leaving me surrounded in the haze of a dream, wondering what's real and what's not. Often allegorical, these books have challenged me to read between the lines to gain a deeper understanding of the characters, and in turn, myself.
This novel falls into that category. Noenka's story is interwoven between the stories of the most important women in her life - her lover and her mother, and the men that create havoc in between. She's an admirable protagonist, sarcastic and strong-willed. She takes hold of her own life even while being entrapped by an abusive husband, loving who she wants, whether woman or man, having sex with who she pleases, and entrancing many with her beauty and charm. Roemer weaves Noenka's world through prose beautifully translated by Lucy Scott, revealing the core of Noenka's dreams in desires in poetic moments jumping between the past and present to unravel a dark tale. This is a novel that certainly belongs in the Queer and Black Womanist literary canon.
This novel falls into that category. Noenka's story is interwoven between the stories of the most important women in her life - her lover and her mother, and the men that create havoc in between. She's an admirable protagonist, sarcastic and strong-willed. She takes hold of her own life even while being entrapped by an abusive husband, loving who she wants, whether woman or man, having sex with who she pleases, and entrancing many with her beauty and charm. Roemer weaves Noenka's world through prose beautifully translated by Lucy Scott, revealing the core of Noenka's dreams in desires in poetic moments jumping between the past and present to unravel a dark tale. This is a novel that certainly belongs in the Queer and Black Womanist literary canon.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault