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abicaro17's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
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
5.0
Wow. This book is amazing. A love story between two very different boys, tells the tale of political unrest and oppression coloring 1980s Poland. Told through second person letters, Ludwik tells the story of his upbringing, life in Communist Poland, and his complicated relationship with Janusz. The writing styles approaches dark subjects with an almost flowery language, making every bit a joy to read. Does it get a tad slow at times? Yeah. Does it absolutely ramp up towards the end? Yes! This is a short yet poignant tale of love and unrest is a worthwhile read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Alcohol, Body shaming, Cancer, Adult/minor relationship, Classism, Homophobia, War, Gaslighting, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Animal death, Antisemitism, Blood, Cursing, Death, Grief, Gun violence, Infidelity, Racism, Toxic friendship, Drug use, Death of parent, Police brutality, Religious bigotry, Sexual content, and Violence
annagerman's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book was simply beautiful.
The writing is stunning, so evocative and stunning. I loved the backdrop of Soviet Poland in the 1980, how themes of resistance and freedom crossed over between the personal and the political. I liked that while it was a bleak description of communism in all its corruption and oppresion, the writer also shows the beauty of the country.
Also, I liked the story didn't resort to over-the-top drama, both in the personal and the political aspects ( i.e. no secret police or torture, and no emotionly-manipulative heartbreak description). Everything felt subdued but all the more realistic and touching for it.
The writing is stunning, so evocative and stunning. I loved the backdrop of Soviet Poland in the 1980, how themes of resistance and freedom crossed over between the personal and the political. I liked that while it was a bleak description of communism in all its corruption and oppresion, the writer also shows the beauty of the country.
Also, I liked the story didn't resort to over-the-top drama, both in the personal and the political aspects ( i.e. no secret police or torture, and no emotionly-manipulative heartbreak description). Everything felt subdued but all the more realistic and touching for it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Outing
Moderate: Pedophilia
Minor: Racism and Death of parent
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