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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
dark
funny
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This strong debut novel is a fresh coming-of-age story of Lara, a biracial teen, being raised by a spirited Russian immigrant mother Yevgenia. Much of the plot centers on their rocky mother/daughter relationship. Yevgenia is a forceful character and she depends using her body (and Russian vodka) to keep them financially afloat while Lara, tries to be responsible and stay away from sex. Threaded throughout the novel there is an exploration of themes including poverty, religion, equality, justice, power, and the “American dream.” I thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook narration and would recommend this novel. Thank you to NetGalley for the audio ARC.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, Pregnancy, Alcohol
Moderate: Death, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Homophobia, Racial slurs, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Religious bigotry, Abortion, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Following the turbulent mother-daughter relationship of Lara a Black, biracial teenager struggling with her identity and Yevgenia, her alcoholic Russian mother, A Country You Can Leave is an incredible debut about generational trauma and forging your own identity. These characters are so original and complex, and the story was well-written, though difficult. I do recommend this read, but please check content warnings!
Thank you Netgalley for providing a digital ARC.
Thank you Netgalley for providing a digital ARC.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Physical abuse, Racism
Moderate: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Sexual assault
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced