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emily_mh's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
The thing about this read is that some of the things I really liked about it were tempered with fairly significant criticism, too. For example, the fairytale-like narrative voice clearly sets the mood and expectations of the reader, and is something I generally enjoy in books. However, employed over a story of this length, it also serves to disconnect the reader from the characters as we don't get much insight into their inner worlds. Another example is that the plot was clear and straightforward, which was great for the book's structure and for giving a strong sense of plot direction. However, because I knew more or less what to expect, I struggled to feel engrossed in the narrative.
There were a couple things I unconditionally liked, though! The fables interspersed throughout made for a refreshing break in the narrative and were interesting stories in themselves that played with the theme of gratitude. Furthermore, I LOVED how interconnected everything was: the way the fables related to one another and the narrative, and also how events in the narrative were woven together. It was SO cleverly done and a joy to see come together!
There were a couple things I unconditionally liked, though! The fables interspersed throughout made for a refreshing break in the narrative and were interesting stories in themselves that played with the theme of gratitude. Furthermore, I LOVED how interconnected everything was: the way the fables related to one another and the narrative, and also how events in the narrative were woven together. It was SO cleverly done and a joy to see come together!
Content Warnings
Minor: Ableism, Death, Fatphobia, Murder, Death of parent, Animal death, and Child death
Minor: drought, famine
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