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A review by beautifulpaxielreads
The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling by Wai Chim
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
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
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Forced institutionalization, Xenophobia, Medical content, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Moderate: Ableism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Bullying, and Racial slurs
Minor: Physical abuse, Sexual content, and Dementia
The MC's mother (whilst experiencing delusions) kills a fish by poking its eyes out . Said mother also expresses racist and ableist comments towards others, due to her mental illness. The sixteen-year-old MC also enters into a relationship and has several intimate scenes with a boy approximately three years older than her (about nineteen, although his age is never stated explicitly), making this a minor/adult relationship. This is a major plot point.