Reviews tagging 'Sexism'

The People in the Trees by Hanya Yanagihara

26 reviews

paulasnotsosecretdiary's review against another edition

challenging dark tense medium-paced

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

3.5

I have complicated feelings toward this book. The author does a brilliant job of creating a loathsome central character, Norton, whose memoir serves as the narration for most of the book. The author neglects to explore in-depth Norton's relationship with Ron, the colleague who stands beside him despite allegations of pedophilia. Does Ron have a similar belief system to Norton? Is he in love with Norton? Readers can only speculate why Ron not only believes in Norton's innocence but willfully overlooks the crimes Norton commits against children. The lack of explanation behind Ron's motivations is a significant hole in the overall story.

As a reader, I found it challenging to continue reading the thoughts of a racist, sexist, narcissistic monster. However, I admire how the author lived with this individual's voice in their head during the long creative process; I could hardly stand it. She has created an unforgettable character while also illuminating the worst aspects of scientific discovery: manipulation of subjects under study, justification of abuses, and exploitation of resources (land and people). Additionally, readers will understand why historical records are not always accurate as whoever controls the narrative influences future developments, especially when key facts are left out. 

Brilliant, but challenging. It's difficult to say I liked the book as reading it at times was uncomfortable. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Violence, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Sexism, Racism, and Rape

booksbyjazz's review

challenging dark medium-paced

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Confinement, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Medical content, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, Blood, Body horror, Colonisation, Excrement, Gore, Incest, Kidnapping, Misogyny, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicide, Torture, and Violence

Moderate: Body shaming, Fatphobia, and Ableism

joyfayrweather's review against another edition

challenging dark sad medium-paced

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

4.25

Okay, I read this because of a little life. I will say it is different, but I think that’s because the author is portraying another person, very different from herself. The writing is still beautiful, and honestly, I was shocked at the ending. Even though Norton was terrible, I hoped he wasn’t that terrible. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Colonisation, Pedophilia, Rape, Animal cruelty, and Animal death

Minor: Racism and Sexism

catkd's review against another edition

2.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Misogyny, Xenophobia, Sexual assault, Sexism, Pedophilia, and Colonisation

saposighs's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious slow-paced

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

3.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, and Rape

Moderate: Racism, Sexism, Colonisation, and Forced institutionalization

meganm's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark tense slow-paced

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

4.0

This dark book will stick with me for a long time. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Dementia, Trafficking, Emotional abuse, Animal cruelty, and Animal death

Moderate: Child abuse, Rape, Sexual violence, Pedophilia, Ableism, and Adult/minor relationship

Minor: Animal cruelty, Suicide, Sexism, and Misogyny