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sshabein's review
dark
mysterious
medium-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? Yes
3.75
A pretty solid mystery set in 1960s Baltimore. That said, these characters are very much of their time, so the unexamined sexism, fatphobia, and racism may be a slog for some readers. I do get that Lippman is also pointing out how quickly social attitudes can change (there is a bit where a character considers how much has changed from when her mother was born at the turn of the century, compared the 1960s), and that some of our discomfort might be part of the point, but the point is almost made too subtly. That said, I finally picked this up because I wanted to read it before I watched the show, and I'm still interested in seeing how that adaptation handles the story.
Graphic: Racism and Sexism
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Fatphobia, Infertility, and Murder
Minor: Homophobia, Religious bigotry, and Abortion
keirahelena_'s review against another edition
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Racism, Abortion, and Murder
Minor: Homophobia
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