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lois_bozilovic's review
emotional
reflective
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
madelinemcr's review
dark
emotional
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
serendipitysbooks's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Local Fires is a collection of interconnected short stories set in Llanelli, Wales. They are often gritty, exploring themes like sexuality, gender, neurodivergence, toxic masculinity, and the realities of life in a down on its luck working class town. The focus on a single community and the interconnected nature of the stories where characters reappear gave this book a sense of unity that some collections lack. The stories managed to convey both a deep love for the place and the people who live there, as well as an awareness of the very real flaws of both. The writing was strong, and the author seemed adroit at recognising the significance of small moments. I enjoyed the time I spent with this book and value it for the window it provided into lives quite different from my own.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Mental illness
mcglassa's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
efamared's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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? N/A
4.25
libraryfiend21's review
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
autumn_oddity's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
spr0ggg's review
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
savidgereads's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
waybeyondblue's review
dark
funny
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Drug use, Mental illness, Grief, Bullying, Alcohol, and Violence
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Vomit