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pkiwi's review against another edition
4.0
Highly intriguing novella that touches on, but never delves into, a myriad of themes concerning gender, social inequality, the impact of technology on our daily lives, sexuality, biodiversity, natural disasters, race, time travel, african religions, art, and chemical weapons.
mechashark's review against another edition
1.5
weirdly transmedicalist and a pretty unenjoyable read, the ending did not feel earned
vividynasty's review
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
ahobbitsreadinglist's review
challenging
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
snailantix's review
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
joyoburr's review
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.0
beansandrice's review
challenging
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This could've easily been 5/5, and it's sad it's not. A queer latin take on climate fiction, what more could I ask for? A less racist book :/
The African spiritual themes are treated as set-dressing, and black characters are treated terribly throughout the entire book, which makes the spiritual stuff feel appropriative. Even though near the endone of the characters of color says "damn isn't this racist?" it feels almost like a South Park take on racism: do something racist then say "damn that's racist!"
But on the plus side, it's still a great read. It's incredibly maximalist, and is one of the most unique pieces of climate fiction I've ever read. Is it worth it to make a better world if it's a world you can't live in? What would you be willing to do to live the life you've always wanted? I hope Rita Indiana has some introspection, then writes another book.
Last note, I read the English translation, but I'm not sure it's the strongest. There were some moments where I could tell what the original Spanish was and it was clear the English didn't hit the mark. If you want to read this and you can read Spanish, I'd recommend getting a Spanish copy.
The African spiritual themes are treated as set-dressing, and black characters are treated terribly throughout the entire book, which makes the spiritual stuff feel appropriative. Even though near the end
But on the plus side, it's still a great read. It's incredibly maximalist, and is one of the most unique pieces of climate fiction I've ever read. Is it worth it to make a better world if it's a world you can't live in? What would you be willing to do to live the life you've always wanted? I hope Rita Indiana has some introspection, then writes another book.
Last note, I read the English translation, but I'm not sure it's the strongest. There were some moments where I could tell what the original Spanish was and it was clear the English didn't hit the mark. If you want to read this and you can read Spanish, I'd recommend getting a Spanish copy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deadnaming, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, and Sexual assault