kejan's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
There are no good build ups of suspension. The moments in his life that are supposed to be big, are dealt with in a short sentence. The character himself is not per se loveable or enthralling. His storytelling is constantly focused outward and I missed reflection from the character.
Still the writing is stunning which is the reason I kept reading. The final 150 pages are a real treat.
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Pedophilia, Sexual content, and War
bernard_black's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? No
4.25
Graphic: Pedophilia, Sexual content, Death, Death of parent, Adult/minor relationship, Abandonment, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Pandemic/Epidemic, War, and Cancer
natlikestoread's review against another edition
3.0
Graphic: Child abuse and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Physical abuse
Minor: War
rosereadsalot's review against another edition
2.0
Graphic: Terminal illness, War, Death of parent, Dementia, Abandonment, Domestic abuse, Pedophilia, Adult/minor relationship, and Pandemic/Epidemic
schorlett's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Child abuse, Alcohol, Toxic relationship, Violence, Abandonment, Adult/minor relationship, Terminal illness, and Pedophilia
Moderate: Domestic abuse, War, Alcoholism, Sexual content, Dementia, Pregnancy, Addiction, Grief, Cancer, and Sexual assault
Minor: Abortion and Transphobia
bridgetkay's review
- 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? It's complicated
2.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Physical abuse, Pedophilia, Domestic abuse, and Adult/minor relationship
Moderate: Cancer
Minor: Chronic illness, Misogyny, Mental illness, War, Transphobia, Toxic relationship, Terminal illness, Medical content, Infidelity, Death of parent, Classism, Alcoholism, Alcohol, Abandonment, and Adult/minor relationship
stuffinmybrainhole's review against another edition
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Sexual assault, War, Pedophilia, and Abandonment
danaaliyalevinson's review against another edition
- 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
2.5
Spoiler
I was also very disappointed in the way that this book handled sexual assault and the non-consensual adult/child sexual relationship between Roland and his piano teacher. For me, it fell into the trap of how when an adult man preys on a girl, it’s clearly viewed as predatory and beyond the pale. But when an adult woman preys on a boy, well good for that boy! While there’s some indictment of Roland’s teacher, there’s not nearly enough. And even Roland himself questions whether or not she really did anything wrong. The psychic harm that she caused him is also not fully explored. For me, this was problematic on its face.Graphic: Emotional abuse, Death, Pedophilia, Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, and Dementia
Minor: Transphobia and War