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orla_h's review against another edition
4.25
Graphic: Child death, Chronic illness, and Grief
Moderate: Religious bigotry, Racism, and Child abuse
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Bullying, and Domestic abuse
danoott's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
The book is written through the perspective of Hannah, a 11-year-old child. This approach to discussing difficult topics I find brilliant. Children do see the world differently and this often helps with making the theme of child death easier to digest. It does not make it less difficult to read about however. The book made me emotional, wanting to help the children but feeling helpless like Hannah herself.
As a nonbeliever I found it interesting to read through a believer’s perspective. I find it beautiful how some can find such hope in something invisible. I admire that. Carson brings to light the good and the bad about religion which I appreciate.
It is also refreshing to see a book through the perspective of the Protestants in Northern Ireland. I have rarely encountered this myself, mostly seeing media that shows the Catholic side of things. You can feel that this book has come from personal experiences in this kind of community. Ballylack feels both small and like it is supposed to represent something bigger. It is an art on itself to achieve such a thing.
Overall, I 100% recommend reading this book. Despite having predicted most of the plot points, the raptures is an inspiring book that will leave you emotional until the very end.
Graphic: Child death
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Child abuse
rosalind's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
3.75
Graphic: Child death, Religious bigotry, Emotional abuse, Child abuse, Terminal illness, Grief, and Death
Moderate: Xenophobia and Racism
Minor: Fatphobia, Suicidal thoughts, Sexism, Domestic abuse, Alcoholism, Sexual content, Physical abuse, Body horror, Abandonment, and Violence
katiewhocanread's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
Graphic: Child death, Grief, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Body horror, Toxic friendship, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Body shaming and Suicidal thoughts
margoo0o's review against another edition
5.0
Moderate: Child death, Suicidal thoughts, and Child abuse
travelseatsreads's review against another edition
5.0
This is a story which at first glance just revolves around a mysterious illness that has overcome the small northern village of Ballylack, however becomes so much more as Jan delicately looks at the impact religion, politics, superstition and family dynamics can have on everyone from the young innocent child to the community as a whole.
In true Carson style this is done through the lens of belly bursting comedy, mixed with heartbreaking tear-jerking paragraphs intertwined with some moments which will honestly leave the hair on the back of your neck standing for days.
I'm going to be unpicking this one in my brain for a while yet, but that's ok since it will be it that lilting twang that Carson conveys so well within her writing.
Graphic: Child death, Chronic illness, Death, Grief, Racial slurs, Religious bigotry, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Addiction, Alcohol, Misogyny, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Abandonment, Miscarriage, and Pregnancy