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b0okcupidity's review against another edition
I was excited to read this book, it sounded fantastic to me. I love a deeply atmospheric read. I just could NOT get into the slow pacing or writing style (which felt sterile).
jasisreading's review against another edition
mysterious
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
2.75
laurenkraigco's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
aniventure's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
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
3.75
undercoverfeesh's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
3.85 ⭐️
I love how lush, gorgeous, mysterious and wild the Yucatán landscape seemed in this novel. The colonizers' misconception that the Yucatán was an island -- and the jungle's vitality and impenetrability -- helped create a perfect setup for a retelling of "The Island of Doctor Moreau."
The book shone through its themes of feminism and its unflinching examination of colorism/internalized racism in Mexican society, Mexico's patriarchy, and the history of the enslavement of the Maya people (and ensuing Maya resistance).
I did find the plot largely predictable; hence, its 3.85 star rating. But, as a woman of Mexican descent, it felt so good and meaningful to read this book and feel so at home in the wilderness.
I love how lush, gorgeous, mysterious and wild the Yucatán landscape seemed in this novel. The colonizers' misconception that the Yucatán was an island -- and the jungle's vitality and impenetrability -- helped create a perfect setup for a retelling of "The Island of Doctor Moreau."
The book shone through its themes of feminism and its unflinching examination of colorism/internalized racism in Mexican society, Mexico's patriarchy, and the history of the enslavement of the Maya people (and ensuing Maya resistance).
I did find the plot largely predictable; hence, its 3.85 star rating. But, as a woman of Mexican descent, it felt so good and meaningful to read this book and feel so at home in the wilderness.
Moderate: Racism and Misogyny
annika_th's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
3.75
Cool characters and thoughtful themes. I was hoping it would be spookier.
smfaulkner's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
medium-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
3.0
agwood32's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
I don't know what it is about SMG's writing, but I eat her books up in like two days. Regardless of my nit-picky comments, she's always going to deliver a story that pulls me in.
elread0's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
the_raenaissance's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0