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cazinthehat's review against another edition
5.0
Wow. Slick and spirited, but not too heavy on the jazz (the protagonist is a jazz musician), which I definitely appreciated. A lot to unpick in the text. Just fantastic. I’m glad more Kelley is being published in the UK because I need to read it all.
annekdotes's review against another edition
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I was convinced this was going to be another 5 star read for me after A Different Drummer and Dancers on the Shore, but I didn’t connect to this one as much, unfortunately, and that’s mostly due to the main character’s misogyny. The writing is superb, the themes are great, but women being treated badly or being viewed purely through the “how can I get her into my bed”-lens and not as valuable human beings is not something I enjoy reading about. I’m not sure if it was just that, but there was something keeping me from being entirely pulled in.
annarella's review against another edition
5.0
It's a fascinating read that aged well and kept me hooked till the last page.
I found the theme fascinating and the plot engrossing. The cast of characters is not always likeable but they're all well written and interesting.
It could be a very long review as there's a lot of themes in this novel and all of them are important but I prefer to keep it simple.
An excellent read, highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I found the theme fascinating and the plot engrossing. The cast of characters is not always likeable but they're all well written and interesting.
It could be a very long review as there's a lot of themes in this novel and all of them are important but I prefer to keep it simple.
An excellent read, highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
sebastianrutter's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
littlesophie's review against another edition
3.0
Not as compelling as "A Different Drummer", Kelley focus is again on the exploitative way in which white American regard and treat black Americans. While observant and convincing on this front, this book failed to grab me due to the pervasive misogyny. The protagonist's attitude towards women is so calculating and demeaning, that I did not buy the several love stories in the book. As the affairs are the prism through which Kelley delivers his themes, this made me lose confidence in the whole book.
I understand that it is a product of its time, but sadly it didn't keep as well as "A Different Drummer".
I understand that it is a product of its time, but sadly it didn't keep as well as "A Different Drummer".
thejuleograph's review against another edition
reflective
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Racism
annarella's review
5.0
It's a fascinating read that aged well and kept me hooked till the last page.
I found the theme fascinating and the plot engrossing. The cast of characters is not always likeable but they're all well written and interesting.
It could be a very long review as there's a lot of themes in this novel and all of them are important but I prefer to keep it simple.
An excellent read, highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I found the theme fascinating and the plot engrossing. The cast of characters is not always likeable but they're all well written and interesting.
It could be a very long review as there's a lot of themes in this novel and all of them are important but I prefer to keep it simple.
An excellent read, highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
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