Scan barcode
libraryoflanelle's review against another edition
2.5
Graphic: Death and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Suicide, and Classism
Minor: Animal cruelty
pushingdessy's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
It’s a slow-paced and character-driven story, and I also think it’s situationally driven. It’s necessary to have some general understanding of what was happening in Argentina at the time, because this context is as much part of the plot as everything else. It’s a portrait of a particular social class in a particular period of this particular country - it made me think of the movie Parasite at some points, in the contrast between people who live in such disparate worlds. Needless to say, most of the characters are not likeable.
The author dives into the intimacies of a cast of characters and the relationships between them, showing us the dirt under the shiny surface, but also the tragedy of buying into a selfish dream of social ascent no matter the (personal and social) cost. This is done through a patchwork of scenes more than a lineal plot so, while I enjoyed it and got through it fast, I think it’s not necessarily an engaging novel if you’re expecting more action.
Would someone not from Argentina enjoy it? I’d like to think so, certainly hope so - as long as your expectations are adjusted to what the book offers!
Minor: Domestic abuse and Antisemitism
pil4r's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Moderate: Death, Domestic abuse, Suicide, and Classism
nialiversuch's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Infidelity, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Xenophobia, Grief, Religious bigotry, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Sexual content and Excrement
winniefoster's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Domestic abuse