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3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
challenging
reflective
fragments of lesbians from the early 1900s. a kind of literary manifesto for queer women. defies genre. is an interesting and unique read. is a great book to read alongside "no modernism without lesbians" a more non-fictional account of the same group of lesbians.
the writing is poetic and fragmented: like Sappho.
the writing is poetic and fragmented: like Sappho.
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
This novel is a wildflower meadow of queer blossoming. It is for Lavender, who appears soft and gentle, but stands tall and has a rebellious, resilience and claiming of its area that cannot be mistaken. It is for the crimson red petals of the roses unashamedly loving and growing despite the odds; these women may have had diminished rights, been forced into marriages and other institutions, but like a rose they grew amongst thorns and flourished.
And through it all, the spirit of Sappho is not merely a whisper, but a vibrant thread, weaving into their lives like a finely crafted tapestry. It's not a literal connection, but something far more profound. Like a meticulously arranged bouquet, these lives, though seemingly separate, intertwine and bloom together. They find echoes in one another's stories, igniting a shared sense of identity and an unquenchable fire.
And through it all, the spirit of Sappho is not merely a whisper, but a vibrant thread, weaving into their lives like a finely crafted tapestry. It's not a literal connection, but something far more profound. Like a meticulously arranged bouquet, these lives, though seemingly separate, intertwine and bloom together. They find echoes in one another's stories, igniting a shared sense of identity and an unquenchable fire.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Complicated
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
slow-paced
I really didn’t like this book. The idea and intention I get - and it’s an incredible important topic to write about. However I would need a translated for all the not translated phrases/ words in this book which I really disliked. Also the timejumps are super confusing, the changing protagonists are nice, but it’s too often and too sudden for my liking. And everyone keeps changing their names in real life and in the things they are writing - also super confusing.
challenging
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
After Sappho was the perfect book to pick up this pride month, though sold as a work of fiction it’s arguably also a hybrid of short speculative biographies too. Embracing sapphics through history it covers everything from their art, the various types of queer symbolism and the various modes of oppression they’ve faced.
One thing I found particularly interesting was how it mentioned male criminologists such as the infamous Lombroso who saw sapphism as a crime. Despite the opposition and lack of rights women (especially sapphics) have faced through history, it shows powerfully women who embrace their identities and often infact defied gender binaries and even renamed themselves.
Overall it’s a magnificent trove full of art and history, beautiful imagery through sapphos lyrical extracts and passion that paved the way for us sapphics of modernity.
informative
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No