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thebakerbookworm'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
5.0
But seriously, it’s a beautiful story. Adunni is an instantly likable and admirable character, and her growth over the course of the novel is captivating and unforgettable. I couldn’t put it down!
Adunni is only partially educated and speaks broken English, and the book is written in her voice, which some people might find off-putting but I promise you should stick with it. The way it’s written really adds to the story, I thought.
The pacing was good too. I never really knew where it was going or what would happen next, but it kept me interested the whole time.
There’s also a lot of great side characters. I particularly loved Adunni’s relationships with Khadija, Kofi, and Tia.
Read if you like: literary fiction, education, inspiring books.
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Grief, Infidelity, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Death of parent, Rape, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Minor: Alcoholism
rosebud_reading'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
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Infertility, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Trafficking, Toxic relationship, and Violence
t3reese's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Slavery
Moderate: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Alcoholism, and Slavery
readwithsuzanna's review against another edition
4.5
Graphic: Rape, Adult/minor relationship, Domestic abuse, Slavery, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Physical abuse, Child abuse, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Trafficking, Death, Death of parent, Alcoholism, Infidelity, Infertility, Racism, and Sexism
leelahfox'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? No
5.0
Graphic: Rape, Violence, Trafficking, Toxic relationship, Sexual violence, Pedophilia, Miscarriage, Infertility, Emotional abuse, Eating disorder, Death of parent, Child abuse, Adult/minor relationship, and Alcoholism
meghanvolkman's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Abortion, Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, and Trafficking
bookishandlegal'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? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Rape, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, and Death of parent
mezzarella's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
What makes Adunni such a strong character is her resilience, positivity, and heart. From the very first pages, it is easy to root for Adunni even in her broken English. Despite everything, Adunni spends her free time developing her understanding of the English language so that her voice can finally be heard. It's heart-warming to see after so much tragedy, that there were still plenty of people willing to help this child find a way out of her hardships. Adunni works hard to improve her life, and is always grateful for those who help her. While Adunni is naïve and trusting by nature, she is also hard-working and determined to create a better life for herself. Her optimism never wavers: Adunni will get an education at whatever cost is required.
For it's moments of heart, this story is also horrifying. Adunni endures human trafficking, rape from an older man, domestic violence, and slavery. The story is told in the first person in Broken English, so that all of Adunni's thoughts are clearly laid out to the reader. Those who are sensitive to these subject matters should be warned that some depictions in the novel are graphic and troubling. This story is also empowering, hopeful, and undeniably a feminist piece of literature. Written by a Nigerian woman who tells the story of a Nigerian girl enduring the worst human rights issues in her country, Dare is able to discuss the challenges women face in making decisions about their futures.
Graphic: Rape, Sexual violence, Domestic abuse, Slavery, Sexism, Adult/minor relationship, Pedophilia, Misogyny, and Trafficking
Moderate: Miscarriage, Grief, Death, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Excrement, Alcoholism, and Infertility
shannonxvx's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Rape, Violence, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Death, Infidelity, Adult/minor relationship, Trafficking, Sexual assault, and Pedophilia
Minor: Alcoholism, Miscarriage, Slavery, and Infertility