A review by sunn_bleach
Shy by Max Porter

reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I'm stuck between loving Porter's attachment to the novella and wanting him to write more. "Shy" is one of his more divisive books (and it lacks the magical realism bent of "Lanny" and "Grief..."), but it's a heartrender and it'll speak to anyone who either had a troubled childhood, has known troubled kids, or finds themselves standing at a lake wondering how many rocks it would take. I adore how much Shy connects with music, and that attachment is one of the greater tragedies within the story.
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