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carolinerosereads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
through_my_eyes81's review against another edition
2.0
I found this a difficult read, due to the dark nature of the story and I couldn’t engage with the characters.
trudie64's review against another edition
sad
tense
slow-paced
2.5
I found this book quite depressing in places and very slow going, not at all a thriller like I thought it would be. I worked out very early on what would happen and who would crack under the pressure of a very disturbing and unreal life for children of their ages. I can only hope it is a work of fiction as I would hate to think that children were treated like this constantly and pushed to limits just to be winners or achieve perceived greatness.
megmack's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
There is a lot of sexual abuse mentions throughout the book. It wasn’t my favorite book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault
tomstbr's review against another edition
4.0
"'Now, when I train the little ones,' he said, 'I pray not to come across real talent. I never want to meet another champion in my life and have to be responsible for leading them to a terrible life.'
'Come on,' Rachele said. 'We love gymnastics.'
'I feel sorry for them. You should feel sorry too.'
To have people feel sorry for you is not that great, I guessed."
This is a book about the weight of expectations. Specifically, it is about the expectations placed on a squad of female Italian gymnasts as they compete in a climactic finale, their life's purpose. I would compare this most closely to Leïla Slimani's books Lullaby/Adele in that they are:
1) translated from a Latin language;
2) quite short;
3) headed for tragedy;
4) extremely confronting, and;
5) written with a voice that is in some ways oppressive.
This is a brutal, sharp novel about the world of gymnastics where adults have given up responsibility for a chance of greatness reflected from protege/progeny. We see this world through Martina's eyes, one of the Good Girls who is not quite cool enough for the top girls but not quite aloof enough to be relegated. This is a book about consent and bodily autonomy at its most extreme, where achieving greatness is given as an excuse. We see the ticking time bombs that are the youth as those who should know better bend them to their will.
To be fair, the style may grate, but if you are willing to accept that not all books are comforting then this may provide you with a necessary shock and a fascinating insight.
'Come on,' Rachele said. 'We love gymnastics.'
'I feel sorry for them. You should feel sorry too.'
To have people feel sorry for you is not that great, I guessed."
This is a book about the weight of expectations. Specifically, it is about the expectations placed on a squad of female Italian gymnasts as they compete in a climactic finale, their life's purpose. I would compare this most closely to Leïla Slimani's books Lullaby/Adele in that they are:
1) translated from a Latin language;
2) quite short;
3) headed for tragedy;
4) extremely confronting, and;
5) written with a voice that is in some ways oppressive.
This is a brutal, sharp novel about the world of gymnastics where adults have given up responsibility for a chance of greatness reflected from protege/progeny. We see this world through Martina's eyes, one of the Good Girls who is not quite cool enough for the top girls but not quite aloof enough to be relegated. This is a book about consent and bodily autonomy at its most extreme, where achieving greatness is given as an excuse. We see the ticking time bombs that are the youth as those who should know better bend them to their will.
To be fair, the style may grate, but if you are willing to accept that not all books are comforting then this may provide you with a necessary shock and a fascinating insight.
monicarc95's review against another edition
dark
tense
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? Yes
2.0
gmhmeredith's review
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was a really great concept but I just don't think the writing lived up to the potential at all. It may be because it was adapted a few times across medium and then translated. I just felt given the content it could've been so enigmatic and dark, when in really it was a fairly dull book with a sort of random gruesome ending.
susani_'s review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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
3.25
shree_reads's review
3.0
I found myself reading the pages of this book, initially drawn to its promise of unraveling the mental and physical struggles endured by gymnasts. With a rating of 2.5 stars, it fell somewhat short of my expectations. Its opening chapter tantalizingly mentioned a murder, only to withhold its occurrence until the final stretch, leaving me in suspense.
The author skillfully wove a tapestry of words, meticulously crafting the environment to transport readers to the chilling realm of Romania. The vivid descriptions immersed me in an eerie atmosphere, amplified by the harsh cold weather that permeated each page. It was a testament to the author's ability to set a scene.
The female protagonist, a paradoxical blend of maturity and childlike demeanor intrigued me. Her complexities unfolded as the narrative progressed, evoking both admiration and confusion within me. It was an intriguing portrayal, though, at times, the character's development felt disjointed as if some crucial aspects were left unexplored.
Regrettably, the execution of the plot failed to reach its full potential. Anticipation built steadily, only to falter in its delivery. The promised climax seemed elusive, leaving me yearning for a more satisfying resolution. While the atmospheric world-building captured my imagination, the narrative lacked the cohesion necessary to immerse me in its depths fully.
In retrospect, I bestow upon this book the modest rating it received. Its intentions were noble, and the author's efforts were evident, yet it ultimately fell short of becoming the captivating tale it aspired to be.
The author skillfully wove a tapestry of words, meticulously crafting the environment to transport readers to the chilling realm of Romania. The vivid descriptions immersed me in an eerie atmosphere, amplified by the harsh cold weather that permeated each page. It was a testament to the author's ability to set a scene.
The female protagonist, a paradoxical blend of maturity and childlike demeanor intrigued me. Her complexities unfolded as the narrative progressed, evoking both admiration and confusion within me. It was an intriguing portrayal, though, at times, the character's development felt disjointed as if some crucial aspects were left unexplored.
Regrettably, the execution of the plot failed to reach its full potential. Anticipation built steadily, only to falter in its delivery. The promised climax seemed elusive, leaving me yearning for a more satisfying resolution. While the atmospheric world-building captured my imagination, the narrative lacked the cohesion necessary to immerse me in its depths fully.
In retrospect, I bestow upon this book the modest rating it received. Its intentions were noble, and the author's efforts were evident, yet it ultimately fell short of becoming the captivating tale it aspired to be.