A review by ra22ouille
The Beast Player by Nahoko Uehashi

adventurous emotional sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I loved this book. The themes of animal/human relationships and ownership were explored with such interesting nuance and Uehashi asked questions of the reader that prompted me to think deeply about the way we interact with the world in these thematic contexts. Elin too asks so many questions and is a thoughtful and inquisitive character, which supports Uehashi in asking the reader to question the ways of the world.

I worried while reading that some of the mysteries were being obscured to the detriment of the plot, but when things were finally revealed it supported the momentum of the story so so well! And the ending was such a surprise that made me rethink so much about the characters and their world. It was really well done and I'm very impressed. 

At times Elin did seem overly successful and knowledgeable but I can't decide whether that's really a bad thing or not. I'm not sure how else it would have been done—and she is also allowed to be smart! So idk, mixed feelings
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