leen_mcbean's review
2.0
Hoo Boy, this does not hold up well. I loved this book when I was a kid and wanted to go back for the nostalgia, and I will credit Anne with making me fall in love with New Orleans. But on this re-read...yikes. I am not opposed to uncomfortable things such a rape and incest being used in fiction, but the way they are heavily fantasized with the victims always somehow wanting it is...no good.
There is not a single encounter with any old man and any girl (like, actual children) that is not HEAVILY sexualized. And not just the old men being creepy, the girls are always somehow being sexual on purpose or "asking for it". I hated it SO much.
I was obsessed with Rowan, again when I was a kid, and now I realize the potential her character had at being such a strong witch was so wasted. All she does is lust after Michael, and get abused by Lasher. Yuck. And the love between her and Michael is nothing but lust. I couldn't relate at all.
Lastly, too many characters with way too much unnecessary back story. I skimmed entire chapters of irrelevant characters.
There is not a single encounter with any old man and any girl (like, actual children) that is not HEAVILY sexualized. And not just the old men being creepy, the girls are always somehow being sexual on purpose or "asking for it". I hated it SO much.
I was obsessed with Rowan, again when I was a kid, and now I realize the potential her character had at being such a strong witch was so wasted. All she does is lust after Michael, and get abused by Lasher. Yuck. And the love between her and Michael is nothing but lust. I couldn't relate at all.
Lastly, too many characters with way too much unnecessary back story. I skimmed entire chapters of irrelevant characters.
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