Reviews tagging 'Sexual content'

Il giardino delle magie by Alice Hoffman

50 reviews

blewballoon's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

I rated this so low because when I tried to think of things I liked about the book I could hardly come up with any (the small bits of magic stuff, the bonds between the sisters), and I could come up with so much I didn't like or even hated (the portrayal of women in love, the men in general, the animal cruelty, meandering prose that felt like reading a summary of events rather than a book, the toxic relationships, the unnecessary references to sexual assault and harassment, and more). I watched the movie and it was definitely better, but still not great. They changed a lot and left out a lot, which is for the best. If you are worried you are missing out by not watching/reading either, I promise you're not.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Cursing

Moderate: Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship

Minor: Animal cruelty, Sexual harassment, Animal death, Bullying, Sexism, and Sexual assault

cassielaj's review against another edition

emotional hopeful mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

A lot of the literary choices in this novel were impressive to me, and the characters were well characterized and well developed. There’s not a lot of plot, but the vibes are definitely there, and I love the sister/family dynamics

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Death, and Animal cruelty

lydia123's review against another edition

mysterious relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

A very cute and Halloweeny read. Alice Hoffman is brilliant at atmospheric and comforting writing so this book is perfect for curling up with a cup of tea on an autumnal day.

I was surprised how little magic there was in the book. Definitely something to be aware of if you’re expecting it. 

I’d also say that this book suffers from 90s-itis (everything is comforting and whimsical and beautiful) which can be offputting if you aren’t used to it. Personally, I love it.

I also felt that there was soooo much backstory … even at the end!!! What?? 


Anyway, all that being said - i really liked this book. I wanted something witchy and comforting & that is what I got :)

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Animal death, Sexual harassment, Domestic abuse, Death of parent, Death, Sexual content, and Bullying

kerrygetsliterary's review against another edition

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content, Drug use, Bullying, Cursing, Death, Sexual assault, Animal cruelty, Toxic relationship, Domestic abuse, Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual harassment, Animal death, and Physical abuse

uranaishi's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Grief

Moderate: Emotional abuse, Animal cruelty, Death of parent, Sexual harassment, Stalking, Toxic relationship, Car accident, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Animal death, Domestic abuse, Bullying, Death, Sexual assault, and Sexual content

Minor: Pregnancy, Drug use, Abortion, Cursing, Drug abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Violence, Vomit, Murder, Alcohol, and Blood

zannayo's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional funny reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Grief, Physical abuse, and Murder

Moderate: Toxic relationship, Stalking, Addiction, Sexual harassment, Animal death, Animal cruelty, Sexual content, and Sexual violence

Minor: Bullying, Cursing, Death of parent, Sexism, Car accident, and Panic attacks/disorders

jasmine256's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse, Grief, and Sexual content

Moderate: Bullying, Death, and Toxic friendship

Minor: Animal death, Animal cruelty, and Death of parent

danaslitlist's review against another edition

adventurous emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This was definitely very different from what I was expecting. A lot of sexual content throughout which isn’t a bad thing but often times I felt taken aback by it. Overall it was enjoyable though it did lag on from time to time.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content and Domestic abuse

Moderate: Animal death

thewoodlandbookshelf's review against another edition

emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

• 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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual harassment, Domestic abuse, Bullying, Death, Death of parent, Grief, and Sexual content

n6ellie's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.25

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Sexual content and Sexual harassment