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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
I found this book beautiful. As another review stated it takes you through genres rom a love story to a horror to a fantasy. I love how the author uses details, each one feels purposeful and distinct. And they do often end up coming back up. I love how the author made efforts to anchor to impossible in the real. How yes you might have a supernatural reason but you still live as a Black man in NYC. It’s a 4.5 for me, my only contention is that I had a few questions go unanswered, and the second you feel on steady ground there’s another plot twist. Honestly I might find answers in a reread. Also the author did an amazing job narrating. I often think authors should hire voice actors to read for them but this was perfect. It was soft and comforting so the decent into madness was so subtle you didn’t notice immediately.
If you like litfic and horror give this book a chance.
If you like litfic and horror give this book a chance.
Perhaps one or two of the stars I’m throwing at this novel for sheer force of imagination. The plot actually didn’t do much for me, at least from the 60% mark onwards. Don’t get me wrong, the first half is quite thrilling and plenty frightening on its own, but the remainder of the story is catapulted into abject weirdness without matching the stark sense of reality built up earlier on. The ultimate result is a lingering suspicion that, after William and Apollo arrive at their destination, the author wasn’t quite sure where to go. Regardless, Mr. LaValle is hilarious, and surreal fantasy is always a genre I will welcome. Perhaps not entirely satisfying, but a healthy dose of dark fun.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Stunning. A walk through the deep woods of parenting, exploring the monsters that can be found there, both metaphorical and literal. Works with fairy tales in a way I'm deeply jealous of. SUCH a good book.
Somehow even better on the reread. A perfect story— hits even better since I live a mile a way from the park where the climax takes place.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
this book was equal parts charming and horrifying, with tragic bits sprinkled in. highly recommended to anyone who loves folklore and a dark adventure. i think i have to look into more victor lavalle books now
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Stalking, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes