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3.22 AVERAGE
3.22 AVERAGE
It's an interesting, morally-complex look at class and privilege. The tension is good throughout the book, but I didn't feel a lot of highs and lows or really intensely compelling moments. Overall, I enjoyed it.
4.5 but I'm rounding up because A) the overall average of this book is too low so I will do my part to buoy it and B) I love a book that has class inequality as a major theme. The writing is pretty impressive too.
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I received this book as part of a good reads giveaway and I’m so happy that I did. I was on the fence about weather or not I would want to read this book, so I’m so glad I received a copy because I would have missed out on this gem. I really enjoyed the writing and the modern take in many ways of “upstairs-downstairs”. I thought the way the author portrayed class struggles felt very real and while it could at times feel slow paced, I actually liked that because I felt like I was truly getting to know the characters. Would definitely recommend this one!
emotional
mysterious
sad
A very New York twist on the upstairs/downstairs dynamic. Explores the massive gaps in wealth and entrenched inequality present in the city through the everyday cruelties and ignorance inflicted by supposedly caring and 'class-conscious people.' These moments escalate the tension until it reaches its head, but only at the very end. I'd have liked to linger a bit longer in the after-effects of the climax and the protagonist's choices.
An insightful book about class differences + the way class can be inextricable from relationship dynamics. I'm not sure about the choice to set this over the course of one day. It felt like there had been issues simmering between characters for quite a while and this was the day where everything boiled over, but I would have liked to have seen the dynamics play out over more time (and not just flashbacks to pivotal, thematic moments). Some interactions felt like they were more about proving a symbolic point (class is always at play!) than about developing and complicating relationships between consistently drawn characters.
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes