A review by ember_eyes_are_for_tigers
The House in the Cerulean Sea, by TJ Klune
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Whilst I really enjoyed the book, the author did fall into some harmful tropes. The author used the experiences and stories of indigenous people to write his story , without treating those elements with the appropriate care- sounding, at times, rather callous .
Spoiler
for example some of creatures and the folklore, but, also residential schoolsSpoiler
for example the fact that the government and adults are scared of the magical children. Which has been incredibly harmful in history for the populations which the author has based his story uponModerate: Child abuse, Forced institutionalization, and Gaslighting
Minor: Confinement, Fire/Fire injury, and Homophobia