dreadpirateroberts's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- 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
4.0
catalinalao's review against another edition
5.0
In part one, I wanted to give Miri all the strength in the world. In part two, I cried for her when she couldn't.
earlyandalone's review against another edition
4.0
One of the most brutal, heart-wrenching books I've ever read.
starryeved's review against another edition
3.0
I would never forget that sound, the empty whisper of soft hands preparing to do hard things.
Regardless of what you have been through, this book will hit you differently. It is a book about a kidnapping, about horrific violence and rape and physical abuse, about PTSD, about politics and race and so much more.
An Untamed State is a lot to handle. It is forlorn, unflinching, blunt and grim. It is an open wound that stings even when untouched. It is gritty, filled with unspeakable things, but Roxane Gay also manages to make it so incredibly absorbing and compelling through different voices that while you would expect to see this flow of writing style in rom-coms or other light-hearted novels and not a dreadful page-turner like this, you are immersed in the story.
I don't know what else I can say, but I understand completely the hype over Gay's writing. Her writing is simple and sharp, and depicts PTSD and Mireille's thoughts and feelings so well that I felt scraped raw and open on the inside just reading this. A very good read; the highest of three stars.
lililina123's review against another edition
5.0
This was at times very hard to read but also a true masterpiece. Sad and complicated this books is about sexual violence, economic disparity, the workings of patriarchy and so much more.
kenzienoellereads's review against another edition
I think I’ve come to the realization that action/crime thrillers just aren’t for me
shereadsshedrinks's review against another edition
5.0
So brutal it physically hurt, but the writing is breathtaking, especially as this was her first novel.
osclor's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
raloveridge's review against another edition
5.0
This book, you guys. This book is fierce and brutal and beautiful. I don't even know how to talk about this book yet, because I literally just finished and am having all of my feelings all at once. This book asks a lot of its reader, and all of it is necessary.