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kestrel's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Child abuse, Blood, and Body horror
Moderate: Pedophilia, Forced institutionalization, and Child death
Minor: Animal cruelty and Body shaming
gabbygarcia's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book has been on my list for a little while now, and I am so glad that I read it. It is such a cozy book and a great winter read. I particularly loved how the author shifted frequently to different points of view. Even in dislikable characters, you got a strong sense of their motives, fears, desires, etc. Every character felt human (well, the human ones, at least). It is in many ways a tragic story and hard to read at moments, but I really loved it. Enjoyed learning a bit about Russian folklore and all the ways in which the mythology of the place shaped and was shaped by each character. Looking forward to picking up the sequel.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism, Sexual assault, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Grief, Misogyny, and Physical abuse
Minor: Body shaming
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