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jareadforfilth's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Religious bigotry, Body shaming, Child death, Child abuse, Death of parent, Forced institutionalization, Hate crime, Homophobia, Infidelity, Outing, Pedophilia, Toxic relationship, Violence, Sexual assault, Dysphoria, Confinement, and Bullying
amobrien's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
There's so much that happens that it's hard for me to even describe. If you're looking for a lighthearted coming-of-age, this isn't the book for you. The Sea Elephants is, at times, incredibly difficult to read. Shagun's story is propelled by his grief and guilt after the deaths of his twin sisters. His relationship with his remaining family is strained, made even more difficult as Shagun struggles with his sexuality.
Thank you Netgalley for providing a digital ARC.
Thank you Netgalley for providing a digital ARC.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Confinement, Sexual violence, Forced institutionalization, Body shaming, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Pedophilia, Death of parent, Religious bigotry, Child abuse, Physical abuse, Child death, and Bullying
Minor: Police brutality, Hate crime, and Incest
mollyringle's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
They had me at "traveling theater troupe"! But that's not the only memorable and lovely feature of this book. Shagun's story is a difficult one at several points, involving abuse, homophobia, grief, and conversion therapy. But in each of those dark places, Shagun finds something—more often someone—to hold on to, that gives meaning and even joy to his life. That's what really saved this story for me and kept it from ever feeling too depressing. His lifelines were many and beautiful—and mythically magical, in the case of the theater troupe and their costumes, makeup, and performances. I do not know a lot about India or about Hindu mythology, but this book gave me a warm welcome to all of it, immersing me in the scents, colors, tastes, and textures from the start. (If you can read this whole thing without craving a cup of chai, you're a stronger person than I.)
As many queer novels do, this book deals with the themes of how cultures and families shape and imprison some of their members (sometimes literally), and how to find a way free of those shackles. But it does so in a fully unique and complex way that I think I will remember for a long time. Recommended!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this free review copy.
As many queer novels do, this book deals with the themes of how cultures and families shape and imprison some of their members (sometimes literally), and how to find a way free of those shackles. But it does so in a fully unique and complex way that I think I will remember for a long time. Recommended!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this free review copy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Body shaming, Confinement, Sexual assault, and Homophobia
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