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3.31 AVERAGE
3.31 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Great story about finding the fury within, and deciding what to do (or not do) with it. Lobos (the cop) was the most complex & compelling character. It was funny to read about Third Avenue Promenade...on Third Avenue Promenade.
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
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
I couldn't get into this book. I loved These Women by the same author but this one was a tough read for me. The characters background was told in bylines, flashbacks or perspectives from another character. The willful way that Florida threw her life away made no sense. I get the challenge of supporting released felons peak pandemic tho so perhaps that collision course to self destruction was to be expected? That still doesn't excuse the lack of plot. Plus, have mercy, can we stop overusing the word "gritty" for this book? Did not finish.
A beautifully written meditation on female violence, told Natural Born Killers style (but much, much better). The dual narration from both the ex-convict (Florida/Florence) and the cop (Lobos) works exceptionally well, each struggling with their own nature, one of whom is brutal and trying to be less so and the other of whom is reticent and trying to be more bold. The second ex-convict functions as a muse for Florida, leading her to her own nature. Los Angeles during the pandemic serves as the set piece, with particular attention paid to homeless camps. I have never read a novel that so thoroughly explored this world and the point of view of a person within it. The novel did get a bit repetitive and it hammered some of its points home, but still a triumph.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Book Review: Sing Her Down by Ivy Pochoda
⭐⭐⭐.5 stars
Sing Her Down by Ivy Pochoda is a gripping and lyrical novel that delves into the depths of a woman’s identity, the impact of societal prejudices, and the dangerous consequences of obsession. Pochoda’s exquisite writing style immerses readers in a world where darkness lurks beneath the surface, challenging our perceptions of innocence and guilt.
The story revolves around Florence “Florida” Baum, a woman who arrives at an Arizona women’s prison claiming to be an innocent victim. However, her ex-cellmate, Diosmary Sandoval, knows the truth that Florida hides from herself and the world. Dios understands that women can also be capable of darkness, despite society’s refusal to acknowledge it. Determined to open Florida’s eyes and unleash her true self, Dios’s obsession takes a dangerous turn when an unexpected reprieve grants both women their freedom. This sets off a deadly cat-and-mouse chase from Arizona to the desolate streets of Los Angeles.
The strength of Sing Her Down lies in Pochoda’s masterful writing. The prose is undeniably beautiful and lyrical, creating a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after the final page. Pochoda fearlessly tackles weighty topics such as sexism, misogyny, rape, and even the backdrop of a pandemic, weaving them seamlessly into the narrative. The author’s ability to address these issues with sensitivity and depth is commendable and adds layers of complexity to the story.
However, despite the exceptional writing, there are some shortcomings that prevent Sing Her Down from reaching its full potential. Throughout the novel, readers may find themselves grappling with confusion regarding what is happening, what is real, and what is not. This lack of clarity can make it challenging to fully connect with the story being told, detracting from the overall reading experience.
Additionally, the beginning of the book showcases a stronger narrative than when detective Lobos takes over and Dios essentially disappears from the story. While Lobos brings a new perspective and adds intrigue to the plot, the absence of Dios diminishes the intensity and depth that her character initially brought to the story.
Despite these flaws, Sing Her Down is still worth reading for its exceptional writing alone. Pochoda’s ability to craft raw and poetic prose elevates the novel beyond its shortcomings. The exploration of identity, societal biases, and the dangerous consequences of obsession make for a thought-provoking and engaging read.
In conclusion, Sing Her Down by Ivy Pochoda is a dark and poetic exploration of identity and obsession. While some may find themselves grappling with confusion at times, the novel’s compelling themes and fearless exploration of societal issues make it a worthwhile read. Pochoda’s ability to tackle weighty topics with sensitivity and depth solidifies her as a talented writer who deserves recognition in the literary world.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
⭐⭐⭐.5 stars
Sing Her Down by Ivy Pochoda is a gripping and lyrical novel that delves into the depths of a woman’s identity, the impact of societal prejudices, and the dangerous consequences of obsession. Pochoda’s exquisite writing style immerses readers in a world where darkness lurks beneath the surface, challenging our perceptions of innocence and guilt.
The story revolves around Florence “Florida” Baum, a woman who arrives at an Arizona women’s prison claiming to be an innocent victim. However, her ex-cellmate, Diosmary Sandoval, knows the truth that Florida hides from herself and the world. Dios understands that women can also be capable of darkness, despite society’s refusal to acknowledge it. Determined to open Florida’s eyes and unleash her true self, Dios’s obsession takes a dangerous turn when an unexpected reprieve grants both women their freedom. This sets off a deadly cat-and-mouse chase from Arizona to the desolate streets of Los Angeles.
The strength of Sing Her Down lies in Pochoda’s masterful writing. The prose is undeniably beautiful and lyrical, creating a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after the final page. Pochoda fearlessly tackles weighty topics such as sexism, misogyny, rape, and even the backdrop of a pandemic, weaving them seamlessly into the narrative. The author’s ability to address these issues with sensitivity and depth is commendable and adds layers of complexity to the story.
However, despite the exceptional writing, there are some shortcomings that prevent Sing Her Down from reaching its full potential. Throughout the novel, readers may find themselves grappling with confusion regarding what is happening, what is real, and what is not. This lack of clarity can make it challenging to fully connect with the story being told, detracting from the overall reading experience.
Additionally, the beginning of the book showcases a stronger narrative than when detective Lobos takes over and Dios essentially disappears from the story. While Lobos brings a new perspective and adds intrigue to the plot, the absence of Dios diminishes the intensity and depth that her character initially brought to the story.
Despite these flaws, Sing Her Down is still worth reading for its exceptional writing alone. Pochoda’s ability to craft raw and poetic prose elevates the novel beyond its shortcomings. The exploration of identity, societal biases, and the dangerous consequences of obsession make for a thought-provoking and engaging read.
In conclusion, Sing Her Down by Ivy Pochoda is a dark and poetic exploration of identity and obsession. While some may find themselves grappling with confusion at times, the novel’s compelling themes and fearless exploration of societal issues make it a worthwhile read. Pochoda’s ability to tackle weighty topics with sensitivity and depth solidifies her as a talented writer who deserves recognition in the literary world.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I would like to thank NetGalley and Farrar, Straus and Giroux for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Look for it now in your local and online bookstores and libraries.
⭐️⭐️
Florence “Florida” Baum and Diosmary Sandoval are in a women’s prison in Arizona after being convicted of separate violent crimes. They are former cellmates, but their relationship has become increasingly volatile. When, due to the pandemic, they are both released early, Florida wants to move beyond her past, and live her life, but Dios becomes obsessed with Florida and wants her to realize her “true” self. At first, Florida tries to run from Dios, but when she realizes she can’t, the stage is set for a showdown between the two women.
I didn’t like this book. There. That’s blunt. It is described as a gritty, feminist Western thriller. Okay, I’m not a fan of Westerns, but it’s set basically in present day (2020) and not the dusty Old West. It’s also called gritty, feminist, and a thriller. Those things are right up my alley, so why didn’t I like this book? The characters are unlikeable, but that’s not a deal breaker for me. Unfortunately, I just never felt invested in the story, and I didn’t care what happened to the characters. While I thought it was very well-written, it was not the book for me.
⭐️⭐️
Florence “Florida” Baum and Diosmary Sandoval are in a women’s prison in Arizona after being convicted of separate violent crimes. They are former cellmates, but their relationship has become increasingly volatile. When, due to the pandemic, they are both released early, Florida wants to move beyond her past, and live her life, but Dios becomes obsessed with Florida and wants her to realize her “true” self. At first, Florida tries to run from Dios, but when she realizes she can’t, the stage is set for a showdown between the two women.
I didn’t like this book. There. That’s blunt. It is described as a gritty, feminist Western thriller. Okay, I’m not a fan of Westerns, but it’s set basically in present day (2020) and not the dusty Old West. It’s also called gritty, feminist, and a thriller. Those things are right up my alley, so why didn’t I like this book? The characters are unlikeable, but that’s not a deal breaker for me. Unfortunately, I just never felt invested in the story, and I didn’t care what happened to the characters. While I thought it was very well-written, it was not the book for me.