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gottheblues's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Dysphoria, Racism, Transphobia, Murder, Racial slurs, and Misogyny
Moderate: Deadnaming, Pedophilia, and Rape
Minor: Grief
jewlzruwe's review against another edition
- 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? No
4.25
Graphic: Racism, Murder, and Racial slurs
janenilsson24's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Death of parent and Murder
Moderate: Racism
willowbiblio's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
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This was such a beautiful book. The first thing I noticed, and a major running theme throughout, was how the hand on the back of the neck signaled closeness, tenderness, and home. It was so poignant when Desiree saw Stella trying to soothe with her own hand on her won neck. I think this more than any other part of the novel signaled how lonely and isolated Stella truly was.
In some ways this book felt like a response to Toni Morrison's "Paradise" - with the small insular town and focus on female identity. Bennett's ability to create such strong imagery with her emotional descriptions was astounding.
To have the twins lead such opposite lives, both in color and affluence, and to have Desiree be held up as the twin who'd achieved happiness, was really beautiful.
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Murder
jane_cs's review against another edition
- 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
4.25
Graphic: Racism, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Rape and Transphobia
norcalchris's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Ultimately, I was left wanting deeper excavation of many of the topics presented and characters. It felt strangely devoid of emotion.
Not sure it would come to mind to recommend to others.
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Physical abuse, Racism, and Racial slurs
Minor: Medical content and Dementia
linnea1801's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Death of parent, Hate crime, Murder, Domestic abuse, Racial slurs, and Racism
orlagal's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Murder, Death, Racism, Racial slurs, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Violence, Abandonment, Mental illness, Gun violence, Domestic abuse, Grief, Medical content, Transphobia, Classism, and Vomit
lemonflower's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Moderate: Dementia, Classism, Death of parent, Murder, Domestic abuse, Grief, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Terminal illness, Death, and Racism
teresateresa's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Murder, Racism, and Rape