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savvylit's review
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Burnt Sugar's opening sentence sets the tone perfectly for the rest of the novel: "I would be lying if I said my mother's misery has never given me pleasure." What follows that powerful confession is a brutal, raw take on a deeply toxic mother-daughter relationship. From that first sentence until the last, I found myself repeatedly cringing over Antara's seemingly endless suffering and alienation.
The character-driven nature of this story brings the ramifications of intergenerational trauma and neglect into stark relief. Tara is an irredeemably awful mother. Her intense narcissism rears its ugly head over and over again, forcing Antara to always feel as though she is an extension of her mother instead of her own autonomous person. Thus, when her mother loses her memory Antara loses not only her mother but herself. Doshi beautifully describes their intertwined lives in this book, keeping a very dark story continuously compelling.
If you are a fan of dark character-driven novels and poetic writing, add Burnt Sugar to your list!
The character-driven nature of this story brings the ramifications of intergenerational trauma and neglect into stark relief. Tara is an irredeemably awful mother. Her intense narcissism rears its ugly head over and over again, forcing Antara to always feel as though she is an extension of her mother instead of her own autonomous person. Thus, when her mother loses her memory Antara loses not only her mother but herself. Doshi beautifully describes their intertwined lives in this book, keeping a very dark story continuously compelling.
If you are a fan of dark character-driven novels and poetic writing, add Burnt Sugar to your list!
Graphic: Child abuse, Infidelity, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Dementia, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
Moderate: Body shaming and War
Minor: Incest
itsamemarion's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Avni Doshi did a brilliant job at writing this book and detailing the difficult and exhausting relationships between a family, with a strong focus on toxic relationships between a mother and a daughter. The main character walks the reader through her lifetime, from when she was little to present day, detailing her experiences with her loved ones and those surrounding her.
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Medical content, Dementia, and War
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Pregnancy
Minor: Child abuse, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment
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