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letter_from_juniper's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abortion, Death, Rape, Sexism, Domestic abuse, Suicidal thoughts, and Sexual violence
Minor: Animal death
rosemaryandrue's review
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Arpazia is a distant mother to Coira - but considering the things she has gone through, and what befalls Coira when her attention does fall upon her, this might be a good thing.
This was an interesting take on the Snow White story, honing in on the relationship between mother and daughter and the heavy burden of intergenerational trauma. I enjoyed the many-layered identities of the characters, and the way the story of Demeter and Persephone - the ur-story of the devoted mother - was laid over this tale of parental rejection, as well as the ways they came together and fell apart.
However, I did feel like the long numb trances through with Arpazia and Coira move lessened the urgency of the story, leading to my interest sagging at times. I also thought the ending was kind of anti-climactic, though it did make sense thematically.
This was an interesting take on the Snow White story, honing in on the relationship between mother and daughter and the heavy burden of intergenerational trauma. I enjoyed the many-layered identities of the characters, and the way the story of Demeter and Persephone - the ur-story of the devoted mother - was laid over this tale of parental rejection, as well as the ways they came together and fell apart.
However, I did feel like the long numb trances through with Arpazia and Coira move lessened the urgency of the story, leading to my interest sagging at times. I also thought the ending was kind of anti-climactic, though it did make sense thematically.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Grief, Mental illness, Death, Emotional abuse, Violence, Abandonment, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Suicidal thoughts
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