erinbrenner's review
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Medical content, Grief, Violence, Medical trauma, and Gun violence
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Abandonment, Cursing, Child death, Terminal illness, Pregnancy, Chronic illness, Xenophobia, Murder, and Death of parent
Minor: Bullying, Body shaming, Fire/Fire injury, and Animal death
teacupsandfirereads's review
dark
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Fantasy is not my usual genre choice. In fact, I can probably count on a hand how many I have read. I was drawn to picking The Centaur's Wife up because I absolutely adored Leduc's non-fiction, Disfigured (I actively tell everyone to read it).
I wasn't too sure going into this one how it would go for me. It did take me a bit to get into because it was a lot for me to take in. Leduc is such an insightful and talent writer. The way in which she weaves the story components together is so well crafted. The story and themes are unique and make you think about a lot of topics.
Though there is darkness to this book, there is also hope. There is survival on an individual and community level. The alternating chapters of interwoven fairytales add a truly imaginative piece to the story. Though I didn't always understand what exactly was happening, I still appreciated the read. I enjoyed getting to know Heather in her past and the present to better understand her thoughts as the story unfolded.
I also appreciate that Leduc brings disability into the spotlight with grace and understanding. It is not explicitly said, but you feel it is there. And for that, I appreciate Heather (and Leduc) that much more.
I understand that this may be a book that readers either love or hate, but I strongly encourage readers to pick it up and give it a read. You never know, it may just surprise you. I guarantee there are going to be a lot of great reviews coming down the line for it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn't too sure going into this one how it would go for me. It did take me a bit to get into because it was a lot for me to take in. Leduc is such an insightful and talent writer. The way in which she weaves the story components together is so well crafted. The story and themes are unique and make you think about a lot of topics.
Though there is darkness to this book, there is also hope. There is survival on an individual and community level. The alternating chapters of interwoven fairytales add a truly imaginative piece to the story. Though I didn't always understand what exactly was happening, I still appreciated the read. I enjoyed getting to know Heather in her past and the present to better understand her thoughts as the story unfolded.
I also appreciate that Leduc brings disability into the spotlight with grace and understanding. It is not explicitly said, but you feel it is there. And for that, I appreciate Heather (and Leduc) that much more.
I understand that this may be a book that readers either love or hate, but I strongly encourage readers to pick it up and give it a read. You never know, it may just surprise you. I guarantee there are going to be a lot of great reviews coming down the line for it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
katmanica's review
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Child death, Death, Violence, Suicidal thoughts, Pregnancy, and Medical content
adasterism's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, and Murder
Be really, really careful reading this book if you are suicidal or have mental health challenges. As a suicidal person, I found it deeply disturbing and graphically hopeless, and found the descriptions of infanticide and death disturbing.
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