A review by bitsofcherry
10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World by Elif Shafak
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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
4.75
This book was beautifully written, the imagery and metaphors are amazing, and I adored the emphasis on tastes and smells in each memory chapter.
The book turned out to be way darker than I expected (note to read trigger warnings before starting a new book) but it was a very powerful read and left me reflecting on life, death and power dynamics in different cultures throughout the world. I absolutely adored the friendships like sprinkles of light in such a dark setting.
The book turned out to be way darker than I expected (note to read trigger warnings before starting a new book) but it was a very powerful read and left me reflecting on life, death and power dynamics in different cultures throughout the world. I absolutely adored the friendships like sprinkles of light in such a dark setting.
Graphic: Murder, Transphobia, Sexual assault, Mass/school shootings, Grief, Gaslighting, Death, Child abuse, Confinement, Xenophobia, Trafficking, Domestic abuse, Pedophilia, and Misogyny
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Rape, Ableism, Suicide, Mental illness, and Self harm
Minor: Cancer, Drug abuse, and Miscarriage