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hereforthefunofit's review against another edition
challenging
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
i want to get a place in my writing where i can tell the reader what is to happen and it still be impactful.
it is already a sad story. but then, there are so extra many pieces that just slot into place and make the book all the more heartbreaking. it jus come dung pan mi an a cyaan tek it.
it is already a sad story. but then, there are so extra many pieces that just slot into place and make the book all the more heartbreaking. it jus come dung pan mi an a cyaan tek it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Hate crime, Violence, Murder, and Classism
Moderate: Sexual content, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Pregnancy
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Forced institutionalization, and Vomit
alexhaydon's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
5.0
I don’t recall the last time I read a book with writing so alive. Miller’s writing is incredibly immersive, and atmospheric to a point where my reactions to the setting and story became visceral. No word was wasted. Each character had a deeper story so expertly weighted and placed that by the final chapters, the story’s infrastructure ended in a climax so powerful in image and in meaning. One of the best reads in years, looking forward to more of Miller’s work.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Infidelity, Racism, Suicide, Violence, Police brutality, and Murder
spinesinaline's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
As the author says in the intro, August Town is a real-life neighbourhood in Jamaica and while some of its real history is brought into the story, the titular neighbourhood is an intentionally fictional entity. From the first scene, you can feel the tension is this town building towards some unfortunate climax. We slowly get to know the characters as Ma Taffy reveals the spiritual and painful history of the town that has led to this moment, jumping in time and from perspective to perspective, each with a different view of the town and the trouble to come.
Along with the storytelling by Ma Taffy, there is an unseen narrator who seems to have a complete view of the town and I loved the way the author creatively uses this narrator to guide the story. It’s a heavy, sad read but one that creates such a stunning picture of this town, both real and fictional, and the people who may share these stories. This was a highlight read of the year and one I’m sure I will return to.
Along with the storytelling by Ma Taffy, there is an unseen narrator who seems to have a complete view of the town and I loved the way the author creatively uses this narrator to guide the story. It’s a heavy, sad read but one that creates such a stunning picture of this town, both real and fictional, and the people who may share these stories. This was a highlight read of the year and one I’m sure I will return to.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Suicide, Police brutality, and Murder
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Sexual content, Blood, and Excrement