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yleavy's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
This novel has Atwood’s signature beautiful prose and lovely recurring imagery. Like many of her other books, the protagonist is angry at a lot of things, mostly other women. Probably 250 pages too long.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Blood, and Abortion
Moderate: Ableism, Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Forced institutionalization, Xenophobia, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, and War
annatan's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Self harm and Suicide attempt
Minor: Misogyny and Death of parent
astridrv's review against another edition
Picked this one up because the intensity of female friendships in childhood is a favourite theme of mine. I felt like it was a bit too long, with many flat portions, and the main character’s boomer observations made me roll my eyes a few times. That said, the middle section is extremely strong. I think this book so finely describes what social pressure and being socialized as a woman feels like. Everything about performing femininity, the impossibility of ever succeeding at it, the consequences for those who fail, the learned inner eye for any missteps, the harsh self harm and punishment for these failings, and the internalized misogyny that pushed us towards safe, free boys - everything is in here. Also the long descriptions, especially of childhood field trips, make this a very sensory book which I appreciate. “Ten plates” will stay with me for a long time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Self harm, Toxic relationship, Abortion, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Infidelity, Misogyny, Sexual content, and Blood
Minor: War
kou_'s review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Self harm, Toxic relationship, Blood, and Suicide attempt