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bloodypuppe's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Addiction, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Medical content, Grief, Stalking, Abortion, Suicide attempt, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
rtthalia's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Moderate: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Excrement, Antisemitism, Medical content, Grief, Religious bigotry, Abortion, Suicide attempt, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Alcohol, and War
persnickery's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Sexual content, Suicide, Toxic relationship, and Pregnancy
mstjohn813's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Drug abuse, Drug use, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicide, and Abortion
courtneyhollyy's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Addiction, Drug abuse, Rape, Sexual violence, Suicide, and Abortion
Moderate: Child abuse, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Antisemitism, and Pregnancy
racheybakey's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Oates has achieved something amazing here, by taking an icon and a context and developing it into a genuis, beautifully written meditation on fame and the toxicity of modern media. However, the second half of the book becomes repetitive and I skimmed a lot of it.
The first half of the book uses amazing language around the setting of Los Angeles to evoke why it was easy to go mad in the town. In these sections Norma Jeane's voice is strong and emotive, but her voice fades as Oates explores the deteoriation of her mental health. This leaves the narrative messy and even annoying at tim am
The theme of the 'Dark Prince' throughout feels hammy at first, but comes to a stunning conclusion, presenting a daring perspective on her death while upholding the notion that Norma Jeane was always under threat by the patriarchy.
Overall, I both loved and hated this book, and will think about it for a very long time.
Graphic: Rape and Suicide
maplegrey's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Body shaming, Death, Domestic abuse, Infertility, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Sexism, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Forced institutionalization, Abortion, and Abandonment