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A review by dominic_t
In the Country: Stories by Mia Alvar
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This is a series of short stories, so it was hard to give the book as a whole a rating. Some of the stories were really awesome, and others just didn't land with me. A lot of the characters aren't very likeable, and I prefer stories with likeable character. Here are my ratings for the stories:
The Kontrabida: 2. I didn't like this one and almost put the book down.
The Miracle Worker: 3.5. She did a good job creating unsympathetic characters that were still compelling.
Legends of the White Lady: 5. This story is fantastic. The main character's voice shines through, and her grief feels so real. Really vivid descriptions.
Shadow Families: 5. Another really compelling story. It's a really interesting look into community dynamics.
The Virgin of Monte Ramon: 4. It was hard to read at some points because of how much some of the characters were suffering. Really well-written characters.
Esmeralda: 4.5. Beautiful story. Very vivid descriptions. Great job using flashbacks.
Old Girl: 3. It was fine. The description of the dynamic of the married couple was pretty well done.
A Contract Overseas: 4.5. Another great story that really developed the characters well. The ending wasn't predictable, but really fit within the established characterizations.
In the Country: 2. It was okay, but it was very long. It was hard to get through because it really didn't hold my interest.
The Kontrabida: 2. I didn't like this one and almost put the book down.
The Miracle Worker: 3.5. She did a good job creating unsympathetic characters that were still compelling.
Legends of the White Lady: 5. This story is fantastic. The main character's voice shines through, and her grief feels so real. Really vivid descriptions.
Shadow Families: 5. Another really compelling story. It's a really interesting look into community dynamics.
The Virgin of Monte Ramon: 4. It was hard to read at some points because of how much some of the characters were suffering. Really well-written characters.
Esmeralda: 4.5. Beautiful story. Very vivid descriptions. Great job using flashbacks.
Old Girl: 3. It was fine. The description of the dynamic of the married couple was pretty well done.
A Contract Overseas: 4.5. Another great story that really developed the characters well. The ending wasn't predictable, but really fit within the established characterizations.
In the Country: 2. It was okay, but it was very long. It was hard to get through because it really didn't hold my interest.
Graphic: Ableism and Child death
Moderate: Child abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, and Death of parent
Minor: Drug use