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onion's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Alcohol, Grief, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Drug use, Misogyny, and Rape
Moderate: Stalking and Racism
Minor: Infidelity, Ableism, and Suicide attempt
pearlbambi's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Drug use
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Fatphobia
alisonannk's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Bullying, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Alcohol, Body shaming, Drug abuse, Drug use, Sexual violence, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual content, and Sexism
Moderate: Body shaming, Eating disorder, Pregnancy, Racism, Classism, Suicidal thoughts, Gaslighting, Mental illness, and Xenophobia
savvyrosereads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Rating: 4/5 stars
Sarah Lai has spent the past ten years recovering from the unexpected derailment of her career in film. But when a journalist reaches out to discuss the events of her path, Sarah will finally have the opportunity to be heard.
Complicit reeled me in from the very first chapter. The writing was stunningly beautiful and memorable, with a plot that unfurled painstakingly to reveal more nuance on every page. The structure of the novel—mostly a story told by the main character, Sarah, to journalist Thom Gallagher—was extremely engaging as well.
I will note that I don’t necessarily consider this a thriller—to me, it’s more a literary suspense mixed with something that entirely defies genre categorization. But whatever it is, it was gut-wrenching in the best way. And, while there are numerous nods to real-life stories and figures, ultimately Complicit tells a story that feels like it is adding something new to an ongoing conversation rather than rehashing existing tropes or storylines.
If you’re looking for non-stop action or mind-bending twists, this book isn’t the one to pick up. But if you want a quiet, important, poignantly told story that weaves together everything from misogyny and rape culture to the immigrant experience and the intricacies of complicated power dynamics, go grab this one right now.
Recommended to anyone, but especially if you like: literary suspense; dark side of Hollywood stories; beautiful prose.
CW: Misogyny; sexual assault/rape/sexual harassment; drug use/abuse.
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Alcohol, Drug use, Misogyny, Rape, and Sexual assault
starburns's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The story is told mainly through Sarah's interview with a reporter and Li masterfully switches between the past and present with the format. The characters are so well developed, my heart genuinely hurt for Sarah. I even got a little teary-eyed at the ending.
I dont give 5 stars to many books, but this one earned it.
I received this book free from the Goodreads Giveaways.
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Sexism, Alcohol, and Alcoholism