Scan barcode
5aru's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Groff's writing is certainly exquisite, reads like cold water down the throat, but I have rather complicated feelings about this book. On the one hand, I am deeply disgusted by the characters at a personal, primal level; on the other, I was incredibly invested in their histories, their relationships, their deep dark corners of the self. It's clear that the visceral disgust or repudiation the characters provoke is more than intentional - it is intrinsic to who they are and what their story is.
It does feel a bit too soap-opera-ish at times, with the ways the plot turned, and it's definitely not a book that will resonate with you in any positive way. It's far more likely to leave you with a bitter taste in your mouth, and yet, it is wholly unforgettable.
It does feel a bit too soap-opera-ish at times, with the ways the plot turned, and it's definitely not a book that will resonate with you in any positive way. It's far more likely to leave you with a bitter taste in your mouth, and yet, it is wholly unforgettable.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Abortion, Adult/minor relationship, and Sexism
jjenkins's review against another edition
HIGHLY TRIGGERING BOOK!! The author should have been much more clear regarding content warnings, because not even 10% into the book there are several extremely triggering events. I will not be continuing this book, and would have much preferred to have known ahead of time what I might encounter. It should be required to list content warnings for books such as this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Drug abuse, Addiction, Body shaming, Classism, Cursing, Excrement, Fatphobia, Death, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Drug use, Bullying, Sexual content, Rape, Pedophilia, Pregnancy, and Sexual violence
If you are interested in this book, be advices that the author has not clearly and accessibly listed content warnings. This is a highly triggering book from the beginning.
More...