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wordsareworlds's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book had all the qualities of an excellent fable crafted into the modern dystopia with an incredibly evocative voice. Hopkinson wove in so much growth for Ti-Jeanne in a pretty short story, and the length felt just right for the the telling of myths, the ones where the scenery changes to fit the times but the core is the same, and the lessons remain true regardless of the era.
I found the worldbuilding slightly confusing, but that has to do with my own ignorance of both specific Caribbean cultural references and the city of Toronto. That being said, it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story. Hopkinson's prose is evocative and impactful, and the ways she described the magic were both awe inspiring and terrifying.
Highly recommend for people looking for a fast paced, exciting, and in many ways heart breaking, coming of age story with strong themes of motherhood, family, and holding onto culture in a place that is often hostile to it.
I found the worldbuilding slightly confusing, but that has to do with my own ignorance of both specific Caribbean cultural references and the city of Toronto. That being said, it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story. Hopkinson's prose is evocative and impactful, and the ways she described the magic were both awe inspiring and terrifying.
Highly recommend for people looking for a fast paced, exciting, and in many ways heart breaking, coming of age story with strong themes of motherhood, family, and holding onto culture in a place that is often hostile to it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Death of parent, Child death, Body horror, Gun violence, Violence, Torture, Medical content, and Child abuse
Minor: Pandemic/Epidemic, Racial slurs, and Domestic abuse
scarroll178's review against another edition
adventurous
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
It’s a good plot, but I sort of wish the main character had done more. The book builds her up to be so clever, but the most “clever” thing she does is convince this entity that wants to kill her… to kill her slowly so she has more time to get away. Which works, sure, but I wouldn’t say it’s all that clever.
Otherwise, I liked it a lot! The storyline was really interesting, especially the domino effect Uttley caused with her whole “harm no living creature” political stance that resulted in a lot of people people being harmed lol. I loved the way the author resolved certain things that happened, like Mami’s heart basically taking over Uttley.
The book also has interesting themes on forgiveness and atonement that I wish the writer would’ve delved into more.
Otherwise, I liked it a lot! The storyline was really interesting, especially the domino effect Uttley caused with her whole “harm no living creature” political stance that resulted in a lot of people people being harmed lol. I loved the way the author resolved certain things that happened, like
The book also has interesting themes on forgiveness and atonement that I wish the writer would’ve delved into more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Murder, Violence, and Child abuse
Minor: Transphobia
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