A review by febyidrus
Earthrise by M.C.A. Hogarth
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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
3.75
Really absorbing, very well written. Didn't quite make it to four stars for me just because Reese (and her anger issues) became somewhat one-note, even to the other characters! However it's clear this is something Hogarth is going to explore and work through in the rest of the series, so I will keep reading. Otherwise, I really enjoyed the strong characterisation of the other characters and the world building was solid.
Other reviews have mentioned their issues with this apparent use of the 'angry black woman' stereotype, and I have seen at least one review referencing the author's anti-trans and homophobic views. If the latter is true, this is very troubling, but I have yet to find any evidence online of this. (I am happy to be shown evidence!!) I will say Reese certainly seems to be a bit of a prude at times, and morally somewhat judgemental, which suggests a more conservative outlook on the part of the author. Re the angry black woman stereotype, I'm not totally familiar with the ins and outs of this stereotype, but it seems clear to me that Reese's anger is a defence mechanism designed to push people away, so is born out of fear and her past. i.e. she isn't angry for no reason, and this was intentionally done by the author, which in my opinion pushes her portrayal away from stereotype. It isn't for me to make a call on this though. I would be interested to know the opinion of other black authors on this issue.
Other reviews have mentioned their issues with this apparent use of the 'angry black woman' stereotype, and I have seen at least one review referencing the author's anti-trans and homophobic views. If the latter is true, this is very troubling, but I have yet to find any evidence online of this. (I am happy to be shown evidence!!) I will say Reese certainly seems to be a bit of a prude at times, and morally somewhat judgemental, which suggests a more conservative outlook on the part of the author. Re the angry black woman stereotype, I'm not totally familiar with the ins and outs of this stereotype, but it seems clear to me that Reese's anger is a defence mechanism designed to push people away, so is born out of fear and her past. i.e. she isn't angry for no reason, and this was intentionally done by the author, which in my opinion pushes her portrayal away from stereotype. It isn't for me to make a call on this though. I would be interested to know the opinion of other black authors on this issue.