A review by lashanda
Luster by Raven Leilani

dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I have mixed feelings about Luster. I think at times, the writing style took away from what was just a really interesting plot. Leilani is a great writer, but sometimes metaphors and descriptions would be drawn out for too long. I found myself skimming some lengthy descriptions about halfway through because it was clear they were not leading to anything.

As well, the way the characters acted and reacted in situations was borderline psychotic, to the point where you wonder if the entire book is just a fever dream. The book is weird and I like weird, I'll give it that, but its strangeness is also its weakness. 
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