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nikkimul's review
challenging
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
alliemco's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
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? Yes
4.0
I picked up Magma by Thora Hjörleifsdóttir because I wanted to read something by an Icelandic author. It is certainly not an easy read. It tells, in short chapters, the story of an obsessive and ultimately destructive abusive relationship. It's the kind of book that pulls you in with its concise, sharp writing style but also frustrates you because you see smart young women struggling with their self-worth. Though the book is short, the chapters are like quick, intense snapshots, making the whole experience even more powerful. the author does a fantastic job of showcasing the realities of isolation and depression. she shows the devastating impact of abuse and how easily perpetrators can manipulate and coerce their victims, forcing them to modify their behavior and gaslighting them into self-blame.
annabookpaiges's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
fast-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
3.5
mentalvoid's review
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
vlookup's review
4.0
It’s terribly sad how some of the themes in this book are so familiar. “If only I was a little better, then I’d be enough.”
acrosstheskyinstars's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
This book was basically the torture of a mentally ill woman in an abusive relationship. Trigger warnings for very graphic depictions of self-harm, suicide attempts, and sexual assault. I liked neither the stream-of-conscience style writing, nor the main character's frustrating refusal to do anything that would better her own circumstances. This book was definitely not my style. I don't think I can handle frustrating main characters. I spent the whole book begging her to make literally any other choices than the ones she did.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Suicidal thoughts, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Suicide attempt, Grief, Infidelity, Mental illness, Misogyny, Pregnancy, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Self harm, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Medical content, and Rape
mellllellel's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5