Reviews

The Sacrifice of Darkness by Roxane Gay

jess_mango's review

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4.0

An "it's the end of the world as we know it" story in graphic novel format from Roxane Gay (author of Bad Feminist and [b:Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body|38821391|Hunger A Memoir of (My) Body|Roxane Gay|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1519749177l/38821391._SY75_.jpg|42362558]). This is a graphic novel adaptation of Gay's NYT bestselling short story “We Are the Sacrifice of Darkness” (which I have not read).

After a miner flies an airship the the sun, the Earth is plunged into near darkness. The book moves back and forth in time to show the Before and After of this event. I was a little confused at first but I think that is kind of the point (I hope!).

The story is set in a mining town and sets up a dichotomy of the miners vs the owner/manager or the Haves vs. the Have-nots. There was a lot of social commentary woven throughout the story without it being blatantly in your face. I also liked the touch of two romance stories within the apocalyptic!

What to listen to while reading...
Sunburst by Eddie Henderson
Dance Apocalyptic by Janelle Monae
Super Sad Generation by Arlo Parks
Darkness and Light by John Legend & Brittany Howard
Fair Chance by Thundercat

sabinaleybold's review

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dark mysterious tense medium-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? It's complicated

4.5

gabrielle_erin's review

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5.0

One of the best graphic novels I've ever read. Such a sweet story with an important message. Stunning illustrations and really beautiful contrasting colours throughout. Roxane Gay has done it again!

geekwayne's review

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2.0

“The Sacrifice of Darkness“ by Roxane Gay, with art by Tracy Lynne Oliver is a graphic novel set in a place where the sun no longer shines.

When a miner flies a spacecraft into the sun, the light is extinguished. The people in the town have to learn how to create other kinds of light for comfort and sanity. The wife and son the miner left behind are vilified for his actions and the offer to sacrifice them is made, but they refuse. The story parallels the miners life as well as his son's life. Will the sins of the father be revisited?

I wanted to like the story, but it had a really nonsensical premise. The art was kind of sketchy and drab also. It’s based on a short story. Perhaps the short story is better

gabbyshriner's review

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

fjordic's review

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dark hopeful reflective 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? It's complicated

3.5

Cawpile review:
Characters 3
Atmosphere/art 3
Writing/lettering 3
Plot 2
Intrigue 3
Logic/credibility 2
Enjoyment 3

Score 19, 2.7 out of 5 stars
https://bookriot.com/the-cawpile-review-system/

oksi's review

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful

3.25

afshack's review

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challenging emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

4.75

aemac27's review

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emotional mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

alyssabookrecs's review

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2.0

The art is gorgeous. The plot isn’t all that there, though. The graphic novel could have done with more world-building to help flesh the romance out. Otherwise, it’s not evidently clear why it’s set in the world it is.