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csh2424's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
withlivjones's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A really interesting study of the complex relationship between two childhood friends who grow up together in a housing estate in North-West London. The setting is so vivid and well-described through the many characters involved in the story. The story only really picks up from the third section, and the show-don’t-tell nature of the writing means a lot of brain power is required to really understand the plot, but there are some very interesting discussions about the intersection between race and class and about pressures put on women in the workplace and at home.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Classism, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Abortion, Alcohol, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Grief, Infidelity, Lesbophobia, Mental illness, Sexual content, Violence, Homophobia, and Racism
missnicelady's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Animal death
treegirl22's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
The writing is so skilful and beautiful in passages. The use of structure and changing structure is very effective and adds to the characterisation. I found that Felix's narrative didn't seem to fit in as well as Leah and Keisha/Natalie's. Partly because it is a lot shorter and less intertwined but I know others disagree. As a non-Londoner I didn't get all the references but there is still a very strong sense of place coming through so I feel I did not miss out too much. I found the ending a bit abrupt and confusing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Drug use, Sexual content, Violence, and Racism
Moderate: Abortion, Blood, Pregnancy, and Racial slurs
Minor: Cancer, Death of parent, and Suicidal thoughts
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