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cassie7e's review against another edition
dark
funny
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.5
What a strange, interesting POV! Another book with blunt poetical prose, words chosen for their aptness rather than prettiness. A book for people who like experimental novels, and perhaps murderous characters, without so much regard for plot or neatly tied endings. It's about the perspective, not what actually happens.
Perhaps to be avoided if pregnancy is a sensitive topic for you, as it is the foundation of the story and alcohol is copiously consumed throughout the book. Also LOTS of sex in gross detail.
Perhaps to be avoided if pregnancy is a sensitive topic for you, as it is the foundation of the story and alcohol is copiously consumed throughout the book. Also LOTS of sex in gross detail.
Graphic: Sexual content, Pregnancy, and Infidelity
Moderate: Alcohol, Murder, Death of parent, Death, and Animal death
dexkit10's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal death, Pregnancy, Sexual content, Death of parent, Murder, and Alcohol
Moderate: Cursing, Emotional abuse, and Suicide
badmom's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
Interesting narrative conceit (an unborn child aware of his mother & uncle’s murder plot) but beyond that and some occasional inspired bits of prose, it is overwrought (punch-in-the-face Hamlet & Macbeth references) and borderline ridiculous (this child’s awareness/understanding of a world he has literally never seen) in the unwinding. And the digs at transgender & nonbinary people were unnecessary + ugly.
I’ve enjoyed McEwan before, so this foray was extra disappointing.
I’ve enjoyed McEwan before, so this foray was extra disappointing.
Moderate: Alcohol, Infidelity, Murder, and Sexual content
Minor: Emotional abuse, Rape, Toxic relationship, and Transphobia
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