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legsbian's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A very visceral story about immigration, but also a novel that is very “of its time” — not that it wouldn’t be published in 2022, but I do think it would get some pushback from contemporary readers around ideas of trauma porn and representation. Definitely pay attention to the CWs!
The writing is simple and well-done, and the matter-of-fact tone makes the content easier to bear but also drives home how true-to-life the story is. It reads like an English class assigned reading; in fact, I’m surprised it wasn’t an assigned reading in any of my English classes.
I got a little confused toward the middle/end and I think the author could’ve done a little bit more to help readers along there (especially because that plot point didn’t feel 100% integral to the point of the story), but I did get back on track by the finale.
I’d recommend it, but check the CWs first!
The writing is simple and well-done, and the matter-of-fact tone makes the content easier to bear but also drives home how true-to-life the story is. It reads like an English class assigned reading; in fact, I’m surprised it wasn’t an assigned reading in any of my English classes.
I got a little confused toward the middle/end and I think the author could’ve done a little bit more to help readers along there (especially because that plot point didn’t feel 100% integral to the point of the story), but I did get back on track by the finale.
I’d recommend it, but check the CWs first!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Abandonment, Trafficking, Sexual assault, Rape, and Death of parent
Moderate: Addiction, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Toxic relationship, Xenophobia, Violence, and Murder
Minor: Body horror, Dementia, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, and Physical abuse
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