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sanjunipearo's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
3.5
This book was so hard to read. I loved reading about Yara, learning about her past and how it's affected her present, but the book was incredibly repetitive and slow. Overall I enjoyed it, but I wish there were more to it.
morganpoptart's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- 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
Evil Eye by Etaf Rum is a deeply powerful and raw novel that sheds light on complex and challenging topics such as DV, power imbalances in relationships, gaslighting, manipulation, and the lasting impact of generational trauma. I’ve rarely seen these issues portrayed in such a nuanced and insightful way.
While this book can be incredibly difficult to read at times due to the weight of its subject matter, it's also profoundly impactful. Rum doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of these issues, making the story both heart-wrenching and incredibly validating for those who have experienced similar struggles. As someone who has felt isolated by these kinds of experiences, I found Yara's journey to be a beacon of understanding. Her story made me feel less alone and deeply seen.
That being said, readers who have a personal history with DV or manipulation may find certain parts of the novel especially tough. However, I believe the depth of understanding and empathy that Rum offers makes this a must-read. The way she explores these difficult topics is unlike anything I've encountered in literature before.
I wholeheartedly recommend Evil Eye for anyone ready to engage with a story that is both challenging and cathartic. It's an incredible piece of work that will stay with me for a long time.
While this book can be incredibly difficult to read at times due to the weight of its subject matter, it's also profoundly impactful. Rum doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of these issues, making the story both heart-wrenching and incredibly validating for those who have experienced similar struggles. As someone who has felt isolated by these kinds of experiences, I found Yara's journey to be a beacon of understanding. Her story made me feel less alone and deeply seen.
That being said, readers who have a personal history with DV or manipulation may find certain parts of the novel especially tough. However, I believe the depth of understanding and empathy that Rum offers makes this a must-read. The way she explores these difficult topics is unlike anything I've encountered in literature before.
I wholeheartedly recommend Evil Eye for anyone ready to engage with a story that is both challenging and cathartic. It's an incredible piece of work that will stay with me for a long time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
Moderate: Racism, Sexism, and Xenophobia
Minor: Gaslighting
lillie_peterson's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
5.0
kcp3321's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-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? Yes
4.5
A beautiful, heartbreaking story of doing your best to overcome generational trauma and not making the same mistakes from the past.
Beautifully written, relatable, hopeful, frustrating. I felt the emotions alongside of Yara she felt unseen, unheard, and unloved. The way Yara struggles to find the right thing to say, to feel emotions that she didn’t feel she was entitled to have, I think we’ve all had similar experiences. The hope is that we all can find the strength and the hope to keep moving forward.
Beautifully written, relatable, hopeful, frustrating. I felt the emotions alongside of Yara she felt unseen, unheard, and unloved. The way Yara struggles to find the right thing to say, to feel emotions that she didn’t feel she was entitled to have, I think we’ve all had similar experiences. The hope is that we all can find the strength and the hope to keep moving forward.
lenastockton's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
freshvegetables's review against another edition
3.5
a lil corny but still made me cry, my mom and her mom are like this 🤞🏼
remindmetoread's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
F*ck Fadi. Let's start there. I'm reading this book that is highly recommended, expecting one thing, and I came out on the other end feeling like I read a dramatic story. If you like drama, don't pass this book up. I feel like I haven't read a book like this that's not centered on romance in years. I love that. This is a cultured book. Yes, there's drama, but there's reflection, there's growth, there's stakes. There's history. This book is fiction, but I'm sure the author wasn't mixing details when she talked about the history of Palestine. I'm sure the author was telling someone's real story when she spoke of the pain of never returning to their home again and living in cramped tents through summer and winter. I feel people who suffer with depression and anxiety can see a heroine in Yara. Whether you have the same upbringing or not. I enjoyed reading her journey. It was a breath of fresh air to read the ending although it felt a little fast to wrap it up. I've read books with sad main characters and hated them. I honestly can't stand for the moping. But with Yara's perspective, I felt a connection and wanted her to get better. This book will worry you deeply. But also move you. I'm touched.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Xenophobia
cpowreads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
sarabrickwall's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0