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challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The bravery of writing this book is a merit on its own, regardless of the literary value which I am not fully convinced about. I was pleasantly surprised to see how the book depicted not only a queer character but a queer community! It gives some historical insight that Stephen alone could not give us because she happens to be an over class heiress who never has to worry about money. The gay relationships seem somewhat stereotypical at times with a quite clear femme/butch dynamic, but it was the first book of its kind, so I think it’s understandable that discussions about homosexuality have developed since then. I don’t want to slap the trans label on Stephen, given how transgender was barely a concept at the time and probably not something that many people even was aware about, but I can easily see how Stephen can be read as a trans character today.
On the downside, the plot is dragging quite a bit because the book is a lot longer than it had to be. The writing is often very sentimental and it somehow reminded me of Anne of Green Gables, despite the general bleakness? Stephen comes across as a butch Mary-Sue of sorts, because she just happens to be great at every physical activity, she excels in her education, has a special connection with animals and oh, she also turns out to be an incredible, celebrated writer.
On the downside, the plot is dragging quite a bit because the book is a lot longer than it had to be. The writing is often very sentimental and it somehow reminded me of Anne of Green Gables, despite the general bleakness? Stephen comes across as a butch Mary-Sue of sorts, because she just happens to be great at every physical activity, she excels in her education, has a special connection with animals and oh, she also turns out to be an incredible, celebrated writer.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Suicide
Minor: Racism
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Very slow, if this book had been condensed down to half the length it would have been excellent.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Suicide, Lesbophobia