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syllareads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
ivyhaunts's review against another edition
2.0
A lot of research went into this novel and the concept is very intriguing and unique. That is all I can offer in terms of accolades. I wanted to enjoy this, but I did not. It was boring, dull and repetitive. Though instructs felt written, I could not connect to a single character and nor did I empathize or sympathize with any of them.
I’m sure those who are interested in the historical context will enjoy this more than as a book of fiction, but this was not for me.
I’m sure those who are interested in the historical context will enjoy this more than as a book of fiction, but this was not for me.
ahonan's review against another edition
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
hb_bookworm's review
4.0
an interesting and well-crafted alternative version of elizabethan England. I wasn't expecting this to be a mystery, but the clues were planted well throughout and all the little details are important at the end. I really liked may and enjoyed watching her grow and find power in her role as a sin eater, as well as finding her freedom to choose who she wants to be. I happened to read the wives of henry viii before this, and it helped point out some interesting tidbits between real history/the history of the book, but it's not necessary to know the history to enjoy this.
shawniejo's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Child death, Death, and Blood
Moderate: Physical abuse, Medical content, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Incest, Infertility, Infidelity, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment
juup's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
inlaraland's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
HISTORICAL / FICTION / MYSTERY /: May is fourteen years old when she receives a life sentence to become a "sin eater". This practice includes her being branded with the letter "S" and shunned from society around her. Her job is to visit the dying and listen to them confess their sins which she then swallows by eating various dishes which corresponds to those sins. While still trying to grasp the reality of her new life, May also finds herself ensnared into a deadly mystery at the heart of the Queen's Court.
Now, I wouldn't recommend this book to everyone but I personally enjoyed it immensely. I think if you're a fan of historic settings, mysteries, or Margaret Atwood's work, then this might be for you!
There's a lot of interesting themes that are explored in this novel. From highlighting corruption and violence under an oppressive system to emphasizing a woman's right to choices. I find the use of food imagery in this novel to be quite unique as well, especially when each food corresponds and symbolizes specific sins in this novel. This novel gives a unique perspective on the "hell is a teenage girl" narrative. May tells her story as a witness of what unfolds around her rather than actively influencing the events through action. She soon learns that her punishment is actually what empowers her.
This book was so good that I found it hard to stop myself from reading it. This novel perfectly displays the horrors of not having control over one's body, but the journey of May coming to her own under such harsh conditions is one worth exploring.
Now, I wouldn't recommend this book to everyone but I personally enjoyed it immensely. I think if you're a fan of historic settings, mysteries, or Margaret Atwood's work, then this might be for you!
There's a lot of interesting themes that are explored in this novel. From highlighting corruption and violence under an oppressive system to emphasizing a woman's right to choices. I find the use of food imagery in this novel to be quite unique as well, especially when each food corresponds and symbolizes specific sins in this novel. This novel gives a unique perspective on the "hell is a teenage girl" narrative. May tells her story as a witness of what unfolds around her rather than actively influencing the events through action. She soon learns that her punishment is actually what empowers her.
This book was so good that I found it hard to stop myself from reading it. This novel perfectly displays the horrors of not having control over one's body, but the journey of May coming to her own under such harsh conditions is one worth exploring.
mitskacir's review
2.0
A really interesting premise that didn't explore as much as it could have. What kind of world is built when people can be expunged of all their sins before death? There are a lot of moral and ethical parallels to real-world Christian practices that don't really get explored here. The Sin Eater is mostly a mystery novel that drags and spends more time with individuals than with society at large. Ended up listening to it sped up so I could finish it more quickly.
mariagoodcat's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
4.0