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A review by toffishay
O Caledonia by Elspeth Barker
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I really felt for Janet, felt connected to her. The book starts at the end and then moves backwards. You know how the story ends up for Janet. In a way, she knows this too. But watching her grow up and grow against a world that doesn't even try to understand her, that pushes her down and hurts her, is no less tactile because we know that she won't escape. Or she does, in her own way, but through the actions of others. The writing style is absolutely stunning. The descriptions of her home are so beautiful, even as the settings are tense and breaking down, and horrific. It felt like an honor to read about Janet's life.
Graphic: Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexism, and Murder
Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, Violence, Forced institutionalization, and Vomit
Minor: Eating disorder, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual violence, Grief, War, and Injury/Injury detail