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melodys_library's review against another edition
4.0
Passing has always fascinated me. My sister can pass as white, but I cannot. Reading a story about two sisters whose lives diverge because of one’s choice to pass was so intriguing. The story explores race, class and gender inequalities, self-awareness and identification. It’s unique and beautiful, gripping, desperate and hopeful.
The one thing that was left unanswered: Why was Stella and Desiree’s dad killed? The author led me to believe that it was because he got caught passing, and so I braced myself for a different ending, where Stella would meet a similar fate. I’m not mad about it, but it felt like the book just abruptly ended and never closed that loop.
The one thing that was left unanswered: Why was Stella and Desiree’s dad killed? The author led me to believe that it was because he got caught passing, and so I braced myself for a different ending, where Stella would meet a similar fate. I’m not mad about it, but it felt like the book just abruptly ended and never closed that loop.
emilyyoung7's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.5
graciecat_mom's review against another edition
4.0
Looked at this book again and realized I really felt the stars should be less. Felt author tried to tie together too many concepts.
shaunie991's review against another edition
4.0
4 stars:
As a queer human, I appreciate the LGBTQ+ representation in the book. The characters are well developed and likeable, even the ones you are not meant to like. I did feel it took just a weeeee bit too long to get to the punch of story, but it was a good read overall.
As a queer human, I appreciate the LGBTQ+ representation in the book. The characters are well developed and likeable, even the ones you are not meant to like. I did feel it took just a weeeee bit too long to get to the punch of story, but it was a good read overall.
graveyardpansy's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars -- I'm not always the biggest fan of historical fiction, and while I love good characters, too many can sometimes overwhelm me. This book blew that expectation up - there are definitely more characters than I'm used to, there are multiple generations and the story isn't told in a super straightforward way. Even though these characters aren't the best ones I've ever read, it's still an easy book to get attached to. The plot and characters are complex and woven together expertly, and SO many important conversations are had and implied -- not only racism but colourism, as well as the idea and action of passing as white, misogyny and agency and self-discovery and identity and family. The trans character and the bits of 1900s queer culture that're integrated are, in my opinion, impressively written and not overdone, especially considering this is historical fic by (afaik) a cis author. The comparison to Bluest Eye is well-deserved, but it's definitely a different book, and I'd still recommend bluest eye anyway.
jen_jj's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
amyalreads58's review against another edition
3.75
I really liked the first half and then it felt like it kind of went a weird direction.
pink_armadillo's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book is so tender. It went right into my middle. I learned a lot about a society I don’t know but hear a lot about. I was surprised and delighted that trans identity was a theme as well. Also handled in such an understanding and tender way.
bellariddell's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
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
3.0
farhana101's review against another edition
4.0
*3.7 stars
This was definitely my most interesting read of 2021 so far. The literary piece focuses on 4 different women, and how their perception of their identity- white passing, heavily impacts their life choices. Twin sisters that take very different paths in life and how they navigate themselves over the span of 20 years. The story itself was very thought-provoking, at times uncomfortable as you’re forced to confront your own views of race but the ending was very unsatisfying. The author leaves her characters without much closure which was frustrating.
This was definitely my most interesting read of 2021 so far. The literary piece focuses on 4 different women, and how their perception of their identity- white passing, heavily impacts their life choices. Twin sisters that take very different paths in life and how they navigate themselves over the span of 20 years. The story itself was very thought-provoking, at times uncomfortable as you’re forced to confront your own views of race but the ending was very unsatisfying. The author leaves her characters without much closure which was frustrating.