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nattygsmith's review
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was a gripping thriller with charismatic characters, a fascinating backdrop of South Boston during the desegregation busing crisis of the 1970s, and some heavy-handed moral lessons. Dennis Lehane is at his best when describing larger-than-life Boston locals and their habitat. The main character, Mary Pat, while a bit of a stereotype, is a full-realized one, and as a reader I couldn't help but root for her and watch in awe as she took control of the world around her. Unfortunately, the setting of South Boston during the busing riots and boycotts felt almost incidental, and while the way Lehane handled race in the book was intelligent and progressive, it also felt a little bit perfunctory.
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape
encryptedorchardpest's review
dark
informative
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Child death, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Hate crime, Racism, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Drug use, Infidelity, Suicide, and Kidnapping
Minor: Hate crime, Mental illness, Misogyny, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Vomit, Mass/school shootings, Religious bigotry, Stalking, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual harassment, and War
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