Reviews

Luster by Raven Leilani

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nadiepadie's review against another edition

2.0

it was fine. would give it 2.5 stars if I could. just didn’t really have an interesting enough storyline imo and felt disappointed w the direction they took it in

kyndra07's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense 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? Yes

3.75

lashanda's review against another edition

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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.

Content Warnings

remrah's review against another edition

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fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.0

joetatum24's review against another edition

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5.0

4.5 The beginning and ending of this novel are truly special. I found myself laughing out loud throughout the first act, while also engaging in a thoughtful plot revolving around sex ethics of an open marriage. The middle portion, however, hit me with a bit of a lull. Some of the glint of the former writing filled for a bit, only to pick up at the end. I wonder if the writing itself was intending to mirror some of the fizzling out of relationships, and perhaps that idea hit too close to home for me. For a large portion of this novel, I felt delighted and elated that words could dazzle me while making me feel so known. The sentences alone elevate this novel beyond other run of the mill books. Overall, I wonder if some of the plot or pacing could’ve been improved in the middle. Otherwise, simply spectacular.