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kathleenmcg's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This was a gorgeous novella. It went from mystery, to historical romance, to fantasy with magical realism, to what should become LGBTQIA classic. The mysterious beginning gives way to a love story between two women in 1940. The action between the two women running in to one another in an all women’s nightclub, falling in love, running into trouble, because conflict is necessary even in the shortest of stories, and escaping trouble, happen within a matter of days. Having friends to rely on, or, found family, are also important aspects to this story. The fantastical and the magical elements leave the book with a mysterious end, that with the beginning, bookend the love story at the heart of this novella.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Police brutality, and Lesbophobia
Minor: Suicide
jwells's review against another edition
DNF - wanted to like this but couldn't get into it. I was already feeling the first part was slow, then the second part took us on a time jump and introduced a gazillion new characters all at once. I couldn't cope.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide
robiok's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I had a lovely time with this story, my only observation is that the different povs are not clearly distinguished, they blend into each other and not having a strong voice for each character in such a short narrative did get frustrating at times.
The strongest chapter in my opinion was the first, what a hook, practically a whole story on its own almost a prequel which is also an epilogue.
I know I’m leaning on the lower side of the rating scale despite giving an high decimal there…but it feels more accurate to my feelings at the end of the experience.
Still, I would recommend this pretty universally and add on top of that: I only spend a couple days in San Francisco but the atmosphere? Yes, it’s all there.
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Suicide, Police brutality, Lesbophobia, and Sexual harassment
azaliz's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
A fun story about women who love each other, with fun, mystery and tenderness.
The writing's a bit confusing sometimes and you sometimes don't know who's in the room or who's talking, but apart from that it's very nice to read through the story and get immersed in it, San Francisco is described with such love you can see the buildings, the streets, the lights…
The characters are intriguing and colorful: a scientist, a witch, a young woman who's still very witty, a butch woman…
I love how easily I was transported in that time, where women and men had very distinct roles and you had to be brave and bold to try and go against those standards. It was a nice, comfortable read that will stay in me while I reflect on all the magic and mystery that remains.
The writing's a bit confusing sometimes and you sometimes don't know who's in the room or who's talking, but apart from that it's very nice to read through the story and get immersed in it, San Francisco is described with such love you can see the buildings, the streets, the lights…
The characters are intriguing and colorful: a scientist, a witch, a young woman who's still very witty, a butch woman…
I love how easily I was transported in that time, where women and men had very distinct roles and you had to be brave and bold to try and go against those standards. It was a nice, comfortable read that will stay in me while I reflect on all the magic and mystery that remains.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Transphobia, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Suicide and Police brutality
onegin's review against another edition
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
A snapshot into a past San Francisco, where the characters survive in a society that is hostile to them. The subject is ugly, but the characters and the language is beautiful, and a sprinkle of magic adds a glow to the story.
I don't like stories where the main source of conflict is homophobia, racism and / or sexism - the characters face obstacles only because the world is unjust, and there's no chance for them to overcome it. Stories like these have their place, I just don't personally vibe with them. In this book, the main characters were faced with certain jail, indirectly due to homophobia, and the only way for them to escape, and to get their happily ever after, was to use magic. Had they not had access to the secret magic recipe, this story would have had a tragic ending. The magic gives hope, but what hope is there for those who don't have magic?
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide
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