Reviews with content warning for Abandonment - The Past Is Red

Reviews tagging 'Abandonment'

The Past Is Red by Catherynne M. Valente

6 reviews

stevenjkern's review

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hopeful inspiring mysterious sad medium-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? Yes

4.25

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euphemiajo's review against another edition

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challenging reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.0

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it's about hope and it's different kinds and how some kinds will destroy you more than help you. it's about greed and how we know nothing and own nothing and how nothing matters. it's about being alive, being with and being able to have choices. just an interesting, unique view on an apocalypse and what it means to feel.

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bex_knighthunterbooks's review

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hopeful reflective slow-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

4.5

I loved this hopeful story of a girl living on the great pacific garbage patch after the climate apocalypse. The writing was very stylised, which helped Tetley's personality come through and felt realistic for a setting generations into the future, where words have different meanings. I was a little confused at times, but ultimately really enjoyed reading this. The story is more slice-of-life than plot-heavy, which I did like, especially as Tetley's outlook is so positive and charming, and yet we still get to see character growth between the two parts. But, there were also a few twists I didn't anticipate which worked wonderfully. The world building was also mesmerising with strikingly beautiful and absurd imagery, which meant the story felt like a mix between sci-fi and magical realism or fairytale, with a dash of humour. It was also really powerful, with many points that made me think - particularly on the themes of hope (the different places it can be found and the dangers it can bring), consumption and ownership. Would recommend!

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