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meganpbell's review
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
An isolated town is neighbored by its past to the West and its future to the East. The Conseil regulates travel between towns, giving few the chance to see lost loved ones. Odile’s life changes forever when she glimpses a friend’s parents, visiting from the future. While the premise is fascinating and the ideas about fate, free will, and time interesting, and I can see readers of Ishiguro's understated speculative masterpieces enjoying this book, I was ultimately disappointed that grief felt utterly misunderstood in this story to me--and I happen to have experienced losses similar to the main character--and I was frustrated at the lost opportunity.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Child death, Death, Gun violence, Sexism, Police brutality, Grief, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Ableism, Suicide, Kidnapping, Murder, and Alcohol
eveningreverie's review
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Was a good choice, is a good choice, will be a good choice. This is a truly amazing book with a unique concept and spectacular execution. I had no idea what to expect going into Odile's story, but the mastery with which Scott Alexander Howard navigates the atmosphere of youth and one's middle age is impeccable. Every bit of prose is wonderful (with the exception of like... one overexplained metaphor in the entire book), characters are believable and so, so lovable, and—while I expected it to be more of a deus ex machina—the ending was basically perfect in every way. Inspiring, impactful, tear-jerking, and wonderfully constructed and written; The Other Valley is unlike anything else I've read in recent memory.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death and Death