Reviews

The relationship between Romen and Junior was so nauseating to me that i often had to take breaks from reading it, dreading the descriptions of their interactions (even though i feel i was being pretty overdramatic).

Romen being 14 and Junior only being described as "in her late teens" made it impossible for me to view their relationship positively (but I'm not even sure if thats what Morrison was going for.)

When Romen said "She was like a gorgeous pet. Feed it or whip it — it lapped you anyway" my entire perception of their dynamic. There was a clear imbalance but i couldn't pinpoint where. It made it even weirder because she clearly stated that the relationship between Heed and Bill Cosey was wrong and I guess that's because you can't really compare the two. I still didn't like it.

Aside from that, it was a good book. Morrison wrote this in a way that really makes you understand different perspectives and how our suffering is never isolated. It was never truly clear who was narrating what part but as the story progressed it became easier to understand.

The relationship between Romen and Junior is still plaguing my mind and stopping me from fully appreciating the book for what it is. Maybe I'll reread it when I'm older and more experienced.

Content Warnings

enobong's review

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dark emotional

5.0

dowsa's review

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challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense fast-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

4.0

from the foreword by toni “people tell me that i’m always writing about love. always, always love. i nod yes, but this isn’t true - not exactly. in fact, i’m always writing about betrayal. love is the weather. betrayal is the lightning that cleaves and reveals it.”

like in Sula and beloved, at the center of this story is girls whose bond - once pure and loving, becomes poisoned by betrayal, and misunderstandings and the interference of men. i really hated how that old man destroyed christine and heed but wow what a beautiful conversation at the end 😭

mollysparkles's review

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4.0

This was a challenging read with a poignant story attached! Frequently I find myself picking up easy reads, I’m glad I challenged myself with this and I’m looking forward to more novels like hers going forward. My first Morrison novel, her prose definitely commands your full attention. I enjoyed this story of how much of an impact a person can leave, even after they’re gone.

Content Warnings

sixtythreecents's review

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4.5

“In unlit places without streetlamps or yelping neon, night is profound and often comes as ease. Relief from looking out for and away from.”

happybookday's review

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challenging emotional reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This book made me realize how impactful one’s death can truly be on people. The women went through the most conflicting periods just to come to a realization that they are just humans existing, and I love that.

TW: there is a borderline sexual assault scene in one of the first chapters.

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