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raichoreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
0.25
Rapid fire content complaints: The strange religious turn this book makes is bizarre and out of place. The female characters in this book spend much too much of their time being victimized by men or feeling pre-occupied by their relationships (whereas the men in this story do not). There are way too many side characters who are never mentioned again who speak in “broken English” and who the white voice actor puts on accents for. There’s just a lot of annoying white man story writing choices here. Also the “psychosis is a death sentence” mentality so supremely frustrating and demonstrates a clear lack of understanding of mental illness and what living with psychosis is like (doesn’t make people inherently violent or suicidal - shocker)
The .25 stars here are for Mary-Catherine’s arc. And while most of the female characters do feel very written by a man, the way Kate is written feels like a little boy’s love letter to his working class mom. There’s a few good emotional nuggets in here.
Graphic: Alcoholism, Body horror, Child death, Domestic abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Suicide, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Grief, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Minor: Racism and Vomit
Racism is tagged cuz of the racist side characters.emma_lynne's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Rape, Self harm, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Car accident, Death of parent, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Pregnancy
Minor: Eating disorder, Physical abuse, Abortion, and War
kingsteph's review against another edition
2.75
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, and Car accident
Moderate: Alcoholism, Bullying, Confinement, Gun violence, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicide, Torture, Medical content, Dementia, Kidnapping, Grief, Cannibalism, Medical trauma, Pregnancy, and War
lraronson's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
audalia's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Religious bigotry, Car accident, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Pregnancy, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Minor: Addiction, Death, Incest, and Pedophilia
nikimorr's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is the kind of book where you could read it more than once and each time find a new message or meaning in it. Overall, I felt like this book came together in the end and answered almost all of the lingering questions. Also, what a creative story idea! This took a special kind of story telling to bring this all together.
My favorite part of the book was the beginning. A mother and son, both of whom are trying to do their best for each other. I really loved their bond and their struggles. I couldn’t wait to get off work to rejoin them in this story, especially for the first ~100 pages. The power of a mother’s love resonates through every chapter, beginning to end.
It is a long book, but I never really got tired of it. I think part of the enjoyment comes from different character perspectives in short chapters. My favorite type of book is from various points of view.
There is a lot of religion in this book. I was not raised in a religious environment, so I would not be surprised to learn that there was a lot more to get from these parts, especially from Mary Katherine. I struggled with liking her character, but what I did gather from her message (spoiler) is that she goes from the side of religion that is focused on being perfect/fear to what the true goal should be - love. I am still pondering the meaning of her pregnancy (besides the “Virgin Mary” reference).
Spoiler - I found the ending of the book to be quite wonderful. What resonated with me is that the true Hell comes from within - especially with our own guilt and not letting go. We create our own hell. The only freedom can come from within and forgiving ourselves. Also, the importance of coming from a place of love and forgiveness, even with those who have done wrong. Finally, recognizing when we are wrong and working to fix/repent. It ended up being a very positive book with a worthwhile message.
Graphic: Child death, Death, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Blood, and Murder
theimposter's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal death, Body horror, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicide, Terminal illness, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Grief, Medical trauma, Car accident, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Addiction, Chronic illness, Cursing, Drug abuse, Toxic relationship, Dementia, Religious bigotry, Stalking, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
directorpurry'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
1.0
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Physical abuse, Self harm, Violence, Kidnapping, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
Minor: Schizophrenia/Psychosis
dez02's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book primarily focuses on children and the mess of their families. It is detailed and intense. The author describes many horrible things that happen to these children. I would say it is not for the faint of heart.
I found myself having to take a break multiple times. Having to sit back and just take in what I read.
That being said, the book was beautifully written. It's in 3rd person (I believe, correct me if I'm wrong), so we get the opinions of every character that we can. We see what goes on in their heads and how they get manipulated by "The Nice Man".
It shows just how fragile humanity can be, and how with the flip of a switch, everything could come crumbling down. Just a little whisper in someone's ear to send them down the wrong path could be the catalyst to ruining their lives.
Although the topics of the book are dark I did enjoy reading it. I recommen it with caution. Think about your own mental health and decide if you are in a steady place to delve into something dark.
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Gore, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Religious bigotry, Car accident, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Miscarriage, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Pregnancy
sarahkmcl'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? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Self harm, Torture, Blood, Car accident, Murder, Pregnancy, and Sexual harassment