Reviews

Exhibit by R.O. Kwon

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implicit's review against another edition

dark medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

The stilted writing appears to be deliberate, so I am forced to assume the book is intentionally annoying to read. It so frequently almost gives the entire idea behind a sentence (or paragraph or scene), before failing to finish the thought. This also applies to the book as a whole, which leaves many plot lines open-ended and questions unanswered. I think with about 20-30% more words, and the sentences unscrambled, there could be a complete story here.

Good book for fans of commas though. They abound, as does thesaurus usage.

Content Warnings

thatdancinfoo's review against another edition

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The writing style was unbearable.

labradorite's review against another edition

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dark 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? Yes

3.5

riroreads's review against another edition

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The clipped prose was not for me.
Scanned other reviews to see if it was worth the slog, and it seems it would not be.

hannah_s's review against another edition

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challenging dark reflective slow-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? Yes

4.0

manikahemmerixh's review against another edition

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3.75

Surprisingly quick read, but I'm sure is meant to be broken down and taken a bit slower. Simple story line on the surface, but deep implications and explorations of culture, kink, religion, and femininity. Probably would be great on Kindle where you have the built-in dictionary feature because the vocabulary could be pretty obscure. That said, most of the words I looked up I was understanding properly in context, so if it doesn't bother you I think you can surmise the implied meaning without looking anything up. Some stark stand out moments woven within, and although very flowery, beautiful prose.

┈ ┈ ┈ ┈ ┈ ┈ ┈ ┈ ┈ ┈ ┈ ┈

"Listen to us," Lidija said. "Such ladies, living to serve the group. I, like you, require not a thing. In fact, I don't quite exist."

I told Lidija what, before I left social media, I'd loved. It was the self flaunting, I said. People who'd post bold pictures, bids for praise, a dollop of lust, which they'd get...I found it elating, I said. Nephilim of style. Posing, radiant. It felt like such an open, giving part of life. People calling, Do you see me? Others replied, with delight. I'm here. I do.