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mattyvreads's review
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Truly one of the most exciting and promising premises I have ever encountered. What a cool idea for a book, to say the least. Brilliant.
I am not sure, overall, that the book delivered on its promising premise, or that the novel was wholly effective for me. Parts, I loved. Other parts really detracted and/or distracted from the story.
What worked for me: the book kept me guessing, with lots of twists and turns. Eventually those turns became somewhat predictable or formulaic, but the plot was like a giant boulder thundering downhill, impossible to stop.For that reason, it was effective that the book didn’t have a definite conclusion; it ended, in fact, with a question. Very clever, in my humble opinion. Mostly, the pacing really worked for me. It was cool to see the different character point of views.
What did not work for me: The book was mostly dialogue, and the dialogue was completely forced. There were attempted jokes that ended a majority of the chapters, that did not land for me. Stuff like “you order the chicken fried steak, and I’ll stick to my salad.” Like… okay….
There were mild anti-Asian sentiments, a brief (seemingly) anti-sex work scene, misogynistic references, a borderline transphobic dialogue exchange, and many many many fatphobic exchanges. Basically the punchline to a majority of the opening chapters. Even though many readers say it is a satire of American racism, many of those quips and insults come from the protagonists of the story (and the people we are rooting for.) It left a bad taste in my mouth.
Also, the Trump stuff didn’t work for me. He’s already a buffoon, so it didn’t feel like satire. It just felt like fan fiction.
Other than that, I really enjoyed the book.
I am not sure, overall, that the book delivered on its promising premise, or that the novel was wholly effective for me. Parts, I loved. Other parts really detracted and/or distracted from the story.
What worked for me: the book kept me guessing, with lots of twists and turns. Eventually those turns became somewhat predictable or formulaic, but the plot was like a giant boulder thundering downhill, impossible to stop.
What did not work for me: The book was mostly dialogue, and the dialogue was completely forced. There were attempted jokes that ended a majority of the chapters, that did not land for me. Stuff like “you order the chicken fried steak, and I’ll stick to my salad.” Like… okay….
There were mild anti-Asian sentiments, a brief (seemingly) anti-sex work scene, misogynistic references, a borderline transphobic dialogue exchange, and many many many fatphobic exchanges. Basically the punchline to a majority of the opening chapters. Even though many readers say it is a satire of American racism, many of those quips and insults come from the protagonists of the story (and the people we are rooting for.) It left a bad taste in my mouth.
Other than that, I really enjoyed the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Torture, Body horror, Hate crime, and Violence
Minor: Fatphobia and Transphobia
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