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art_anthology's reviews
22 reviews
Against the Loveless World by Susan Abulhawa
Each time Palestinian Embroidery was discussed honestly it filled my heart with so much joy and warmth ( yes i did cry each time). I encourage all to explore the rich beauty in Tatreez ( embroidery) patterns. So that we can all marvel at the intricacy and skill of all artisans.
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I give this book five stars because it ultimately has me thinking about it even when the book was closed.
I knew how short the book was and really rationed each page so that i could absorb every word, every character and every emotion that was buried within this story.
Not only was I engrossed in the ficticious life events of Nahr, which culminated in a pilgrimage of self understanding. Her pondering yet piercing stillness that plagued "the cube chapters", cruely took a hold of my heart and I could not look away from the horrors detailed. It is heartbreaking but nessesary to be constantly faced with the cruelty of man.
Each character was surrounded in a veil of humanity that impacted their thoughts feelings and actions. Bot one character was the same at the beginning and end, something thst truly stood out to me.
Take for instance the strong, dominating matriarch Sitti Wasfiyeh complex relationship with all her closest family is devastatingly human. Even as we read her jibes and remarks seem to become background noise and we are acustomed to her quirks.
Just like we are part of the family we begin to remember that
"We're all she has in the world "
Abulhawa creates perfectly imperfect characters, who otherwise would be labeled as morally grey (a descriptor that i personall feel should stay in fantasy)yet who when allowed to interact with others bring out their inermost self and prove to be some of the most compelling chatacters. Yes I am talking aboutUm Buraq
This is a good book to understand the Palestinian experience, Abulhaw never looses sight of the real-life backdrop thatvthe characters are placed within. As a fictional memoir that is so tragically rooted in oppression, key emphasis is put into educating the readers by immersing them in the cultural landscape that spans not only the hillofand vinyards of Palestine but the Ocean of Kuwait and the bustle of Jordan. I feel that this book has layed a foundation that i know that i will continue to build on when I consume media about the Middle East, specifically these 3 countries.
I knew how short the book was and really rationed each page so that i could absorb every word, every character and every emotion that was buried within this story.
Not only was I engrossed in the ficticious life events of Nahr, which culminated in a pilgrimage of self understanding. Her pondering yet piercing stillness that plagued "the cube chapters", cruely took a hold of my heart and I could not look away from the horrors detailed. It is heartbreaking but nessesary to be constantly faced with the cruelty of man.
Each character was surrounded in a veil of humanity that impacted their thoughts feelings and actions. Bot one character was the same at the beginning and end, something thst truly stood out to me.
Take for instance the strong, dominating matriarch Sitti Wasfiyeh complex relationship with all her closest family is devastatingly human. Even as we read her jibes and remarks seem to become background noise and we are acustomed to her quirks.
Just like we are part of the family we begin to remember that
"We're all she has in the world "
Abulhawa creates perfectly imperfect characters, who otherwise would be labeled as morally grey (a descriptor that i personall feel should stay in fantasy)yet who when allowed to interact with others bring out their inermost self and prove to be some of the most compelling chatacters. Yes I am talking about
This is a good book to understand the Palestinian experience, Abulhaw never looses sight of the real-life backdrop thatvthe characters are placed within. As a fictional memoir that is so tragically rooted in oppression, key emphasis is put into educating the readers by immersing them in the cultural landscape that spans not only the hillofand vinyards of Palestine but the Ocean of Kuwait and the bustle of Jordan. I feel that this book has layed a foundation that i know that i will continue to build on when I consume media about the Middle East, specifically these 3 countries.
I'm not going anywhere. I’m tired of being chased out of wherever I am in the world. Out of Haifa, then out of Ein el-Sultan, then Jordan, and now Kuwait? No. I’ll just die here instead of facing another exodus. I’m too old for this shit that these shit people keep doing to us. Shit. All of it—shit!”
-Sitti Wasfiyeh
Each time Palestinian Embroidery was discussed honestly it filled my heart with so much joy and warmth ( yes i did cry each time). I encourage all to explore the rich beauty in Tatreez ( embroidery) patterns. So that we can all marvel at the intricacy and skill of all artisans.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Rape, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Death, Genocide, Torture, and Abortion
Content warnings
I wouldnt consider these spoilers but want to be considerate The main character works as a prostitute, and there is moderate detail. This is primarily at the beginning of the novel. About half way through the novel she is raped again with moderate detail. Then near the end she reflects briefly on her experiences.
All the way through there are sexist comments that relate to her prostitution.
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
Did not finish book. Stopped at 28%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 28%.
I wasn't able to re-read before my exam
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
Did not finish book. Stopped at 9%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 9%.
My exams came up and i needed to revise
Parallel City by Goda
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I really had a fun time reading it dispite its violent nature it was a great get away during exam season.
The plot armour was indestructible but oh well i went into it expecting it anyway.
oh and damn the first reveal of the zombie got me shook like to the core. Wasn't expecting it at all - great jumpscare.
Read in the end notes that the autho wanted to explore the side characters more aswell really wish that they did. Especially since min ( the main character) doesnt interact with everyone fully so we never really hear their viewpoints.
Also the timeline between earth 1 and 3 was atrocious. Like min had a whole training arc and transfered to 2 diffrent settlements all while 'D' and Noah were apparently sleeping for what like a whole month doing absolutely nish.
The plot armour was indestructible but oh well i went into it expecting it anyway.
Read in the end notes that the autho wanted to explore the side characters more aswell really wish that they did. Especially since min ( the main character) doesnt interact with everyone fully so we never really hear their viewpoints.
Also the timeline between earth 1 and 3 was atrocious. Like min had a whole training arc and transfered to 2 diffrent settlements all while 'D' and Noah were apparently sleeping for what like a whole month doing absolutely nish.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Medical trauma, Murder, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
The Sandman Vol. 2: The Doll's House by Neil Gaiman
adventurous
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Didnt enjoy the whole book as much as the first. But there were definitely elemts i really liked such as the serial killer convention and the diner lady's stories.
Also at the end when Rose is in her dream the partial nudity feels really weird. Cause idk about you but i definitely am not wearing a toga in my dreams especially not one that is falling off my boobs every two seconds
Also at the end when Rose is in her dream the partial nudity feels really weird. Cause idk about you but i definitely am not wearing a toga in my dreams especially not one that is falling off my boobs every two seconds
19 Days by Old Xian
adventurous
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Oxygen Mask: A Graphic Novel by Jason Reynolds
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.25
A time capsule from 2020
It captures the eerily stillnes the monotony and the fear of our everyday lives.
I would describe the writing as poetic. Seeing to the minimal punctuation and experimental use of seperating each clause into a couple of words that dance on the page.
The accompanying art is moody and considers the seeious subject matter of feeling alienated from those you love while experiencing the macrocosmic effects of the death of George Floyd in the midst of a sick loved one. This book feels so personal due to the bizzare collective experience we can all attest to.
The theme that runs through of oxygen and breath, is fundamental to the topics overtly disscussed but again is the building block of life. So what do we do when we can no longer breathe, as a result of: brutality, sickness, our poised environment, or the suffocating confines of the four walls some are privileged to call home?
Well Reynolds encourages everyone of us to search for, to reach out for the oxygen mask... and to breathe in .... and breathe out....
It captures the eerily stillnes the monotony and the fear of our everyday lives.
I would describe the writing as poetic. Seeing to the minimal punctuation and experimental use of seperating each clause into a couple of words that dance on the page.
The accompanying art is moody and considers the seeious subject matter of feeling alienated from those you love while experiencing the macrocosmic effects of the death of George Floyd in the midst of a sick loved one. This book feels so personal due to the bizzare collective experience we can all attest to.
The theme that runs through of oxygen and breath, is fundamental to the topics overtly disscussed but again is the building block of life. So what do we do when we can no longer breathe, as a result of: brutality, sickness, our poised environment, or the suffocating confines of the four walls some are privileged to call home?
Well Reynolds encourages everyone of us to search for, to reach out for the oxygen mask... and to breathe in .... and breathe out....
River East, River West by Aube Rey Lescure
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The whole book i was feeling hmmm...theres something missing.
I cant really describe it but it felt like a really long opening that did not build up for the conclusion. The final portion was definitely the best (the last few pages... ehh...) I felt like Alva's development was rounded off. She felt the very archytype of a buildingsroman but sadly Lu Fung felt like background support which yes was needed, but only since Alva's POV was weak.
There doesn't seem much development in Lu Fungs perspective after becoming step father to Alva and the past Lu fung seems like a different person, where the changes i feel cant be attributed to time and circumstance. But I think more intresting points could be disscussed especially considering the length of the book.
Such as the fetishism surrounding Asian bodies specifically, a good and relastic portrayal of sloaneSally was crafted.
Additionally the Hentai Lord stuff really caught me off guard. But it was used well as a tool for digital exploration and curiosity within Alva's character. I think subjects around the saftey of children in the domestic was well considered. But child saftey as soon as it left the home felt like the tone was dangerously neutral.
But this fell short at the meeting between Alva and Daniel, its not at all nessesary. Having a one on one chat or negotiation with a pedophile while you are the victim of their actions is not in anyway "clearing debts". Like to even suggest that this meeting occurs is absolutely crazy to me especially unaccompanied and while Alva is experiencing flash backs.
I cant really describe it but it felt like a really long opening that did not build up for the conclusion. The final portion was definitely the best (the last few pages... ehh...) I felt like Alva's development was rounded off. She felt the very archytype of a buildingsroman but sadly Lu Fung felt like background support which yes was needed, but only since Alva's POV was weak.
There doesn't seem much development in Lu Fungs perspective after becoming step father to Alva and the past Lu fung seems like a different person, where the changes i feel cant be attributed to time and circumstance. But I think more intresting points could be disscussed especially considering the length of the book.
Such as the fetishism surrounding Asian bodies specifically, a good and relastic portrayal of sloane
Additionally the Hentai Lord stuff really caught me off guard. But it was used well as a tool for digital exploration and curiosity within Alva's character. I think subjects around the saftey of children in the domestic was well considered. But child saftey as soon as it left the home felt like the tone was dangerously neutral.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Pedophilia, and Rape
Moderate: Suicide and Abortion