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A review by bandysbooks
Someone You Can Build a Nest In by John Wiswell
dark
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I was originally drawn into this book due to the title and cover. It sounded so quirky and fun that I couldn’t resist. It follows Shesheshen, a shape shifting monster, as she meats a woman bound by her family to hunt her.
This was both what I wanted and not quite what I wanted. It does have some quirkiness and the concept is fun, however I actually wish this book would’ve delved a bit deeper. It felt superficial despite the fact that it was tackling themes like xenophobia, homophobia, war mongering, and more.
That said, Shesheshen is a fun character. I enjoyed getting inside of a literal monster’s head. The way she perceived things was amusing and made a lot of sense based on what we know of her life.
Ultimately, I think this would be a good book to read if you are looking for a fall/autumn read that’s on the lighthearted end of things with a few deeper topics sprinkled in.
This was both what I wanted and not quite what I wanted. It does have some quirkiness and the concept is fun, however I actually wish this book would’ve delved a bit deeper. It felt superficial despite the fact that it was tackling themes like xenophobia, homophobia, war mongering, and more.
That said, Shesheshen is a fun character. I enjoyed getting inside of a literal monster’s head. The way she perceived things was amusing and made a lot of sense based on what we know of her life.
Ultimately, I think this would be a good book to read if you are looking for a fall/autumn read that’s on the lighthearted end of things with a few deeper topics sprinkled in.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Body horror, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Violence, Murder, Lesbophobia, Fire/Fire injury, and Abandonment