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cdiddy's review against another edition
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Didn’t like the ending but still a wild ride. Would have liked to have known more about the characters' motivations and for more than one character to have a backbone.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Medical content, Mental illness, Murder, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, and Violence
shancowie's review against another edition
challenging
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Death, Death of parent, Medical content, Misogyny, Murder, and Violence
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Drug use, Drug abuse, Infidelity, Medical content, and Medical trauma
nikkimd's review against another edition
dark
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
A beautifully dark yet funny and clever quick read, with a sprinkling of mystery and suspense. I now know it is possible to enjoy the main character while wishing she did absolutely everything differently.
The relationship and dynamic between our protagonist and her sister, (and Mother and sometimes co-workers) is often frustrating, but that makes it all the more realistic. We see traumatic flashbacks to a childhood shrouded with dark shadows, and moments of softness and sentimentally that are endearing and make us want the best for Korede. Yet her high-horse attitude in most scenarios, juxtaposed with some of her more questionable, and not to mention immoral, illegal, actions add to the enjoyable cringe and dark humour.
Whilst certainly not a perfect book, I thoroughly enjoyed and would eagerly pick up any further works by Braithwaite.
The relationship and dynamic between our protagonist and her sister, (and Mother and sometimes co-workers) is often frustrating, but that makes it all the more realistic. We see traumatic flashbacks to a childhood shrouded with dark shadows, and moments of softness and sentimentally that are endearing and make us want the best for Korede. Yet her high-horse attitude in most scenarios, juxtaposed with some of her more questionable, and not to mention immoral, illegal, actions add to the enjoyable cringe and dark humour.
Whilst certainly not a perfect book, I thoroughly enjoyed and would eagerly pick up any further works by Braithwaite.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Child abuse, Death, Medical content, and Violence
Minor: Adult/minor relationship and Domestic abuse
angelicathebookworm's review against another edition
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This impressive debut novel is short yet jam-packed with interesting observations that are written in a style that is concise yet detailed. Braithwaite uses short chapters that make for fast pacing throughout. The novel is deceptive because of its perceived simplicity. On the surface, the novel appears to be simply a story about two sisters: Ayoola, the younger and very beautiful sister who has a habit of killing her boyfriends in ‘self-defence’, and Korede, the older, more responsible sister who works as a nurse and cleans up Ayoola’s messes which includes that of her little sister’s murders. There’s more to the novel than that initial layer though. Braithwaite’s novel is also layered with insights into many other things that include family, relationships, the societal expectations of men and women, and much more. The characters of this novel are incredibly well constructed especially the sisters who are showcased throughout the text as strong and complex. All of the characters are incredibly distinct and detailed which allows for them all to really hold their own well within the complexity of this original plot.
One of my only slight criticisms is that since it’s a relatively short novel I did find that there were some moments that I found myself wishing were expanded on a little bit more. That’s only because I was enjoying it so much that I just wanted to keep reading. That being said, I do understand why that’s not the case as it helps with keeping the pacing fast and adds another layer of mystery. The other thing I should mention is that while I myself enjoyed how this book ended, I’ve seen quite a few readers with the opposite opinion. I won’t go into the details as to why the ending is such a point of contention as it’s quite a big spoiler but it may be something worth keeping in mind if you are interested in picking this one up.
For more reviews like this one, check out https://angelicacastilloking.wordpress.com/
One of my only slight criticisms is that since it’s a relatively short novel I did find that there were some moments that I found myself wishing were expanded on a little bit more. That’s only because I was enjoying it so much that I just wanted to keep reading. That being said, I do understand why that’s not the case as it helps with keeping the pacing fast and adds another layer of mystery. The other thing I should mention is that while I myself enjoyed how this book ended, I’ve seen quite a few readers with the opposite opinion. I won’t go into the details as to why the ending is such a point of contention as it’s quite a big spoiler but it may be something worth keeping in mind if you are interested in picking this one up.
For more reviews like this one, check out https://angelicacastilloking.wordpress.com/
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Body horror, Gore, Medical content, Blood, and Violence
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