A review by jeslis
These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Notes:
- Such a great concept! Romeo and Juliet in 1920s Shanghai with gangs and the multi-cultural context.
- Unfortunately the writing really didn't do it for me — so many of the details in the descriptions were unnecessary, tedious and made the book too long. And for the love of god you can use the word "said" as a dialogue tag.
- Some plot points were written in a way that took me out of the book too, which was a shame.
- I loved Roma, every time he softly looked at Juliet or said her name or grabbed her was a wonderful stab to my heart.
- Such a great concept! Romeo and Juliet in 1920s Shanghai with gangs and the multi-cultural context.
- Unfortunately the writing really didn't do it for me — so many of the details in the descriptions were unnecessary, tedious and made the book too long. And for the love of god you can use the word "said" as a dialogue tag.
- Some plot points were written in a way that took me out of the book too, which was a shame.
Spoiler
Eg. the idea of a pandemic running through the city (too on the nose atm which felt uncreative) and the drinking with Archie (not at all plausible for supposedly "scary and intense bad guy scene").- I loved Roma, every time he softly looked at Juliet or said her name or grabbed her was a wonderful stab to my heart.
Spoiler
Him calling her "dorogaya" made me FERAL in the best way possible. I also loved the exploration of "you made a choice for me (being responsible for killing her servants/nurse) and I'm angry at that, but you did it to save me and so it was the right choice in a way but I still hate it". For personal reasons oop. I wish they'd leaned harder into it but again, a personal desire than an actual opinion.
Content Warnings
Minor: Transphobia