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emilymhb's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
4.25
The audiobook was beautifully done, and were it not for the great narration, I may not have enjoyed this book as much as I did. It touched my heart to hear Manod’s story of education and exploration, though I do wish that development in her character was shown by her standing up for herself towards the end of the novel. Even still, such a phenomenal book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death
Moderate: Gore, Death of parent, and Suicide
kidasquared's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.25
O'Connor's debut is beautifully terse and full of poetic prose. the images of the island, where a beached and decaying whale provides a haunting and enriching backdrop, are vivid and moving. we get a deep sense of the rough and isolating life the islanders live and how that gets exploited and fetishized by documenting mainlanders, all between two world wars.
I applaud this book's patience and confidence in showing space between passages, ending pages "early" and providing breathing room that's filled by its salty air. Manod provides insightful narration, at times passing it off to other islanders and folklore to create a complete and undying image of her life and people.
A-/B+
I applaud this book's patience and confidence in showing space between passages, ending pages "early" and providing breathing room that's filled by its salty air. Manod provides insightful narration, at times passing it off to other islanders and folklore to create a complete and undying image of her life and people.
A-/B+
realis's review against another edition
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
hotpinkinthenight's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Phenomenal, bleak yet oddly cosy. I found the central family so endearing and I felt like I knew them so well by the end. I did feel that it took a while to get into the main plot, which in itself was very simple, but I enjoyed the atmosphere and characters so much that I never really minded the slower pace at the start.
jae0141's review against another edition
emotional
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? It's complicated
5.0
franc's review against another edition
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
sunshine_sophia's review against another edition
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
this was one of the most unique books i’ve read. it was emotional, lyrical, and sad. a great commentary about disappearing cultures and imperialism/colonization. i enjoyed the prose-style of this book, it made it a quick read.
this was an interesting character study. not one of my favorites, but a worthwhile read nonetheless!
this was an interesting character study. not one of my favorites, but a worthwhile read nonetheless!