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joclaveria's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Gun violence, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, Murder, Gaslighting, and Mental illness
megpro7's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, Alcoholism, Animal death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Addiction, Alcohol, Blood, Gore, Bullying, Death, Domestic abuse, Death of parent, Mental illness, Murder, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, and Violence
ricksilva's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The characters in this story are deeply nuanced, and the narrator's voice is powerful through all of her quirkiness. I like the development of multiple layers of complexity in even the minor characters who at first appear very one-dimensional. The author also does a great job of bringing the setting to life.
The climactic scene is extremely violent, much more so than the rest of the story up to that point, although it is certainly foreshadowed. The ending is left very open, and perhaps a bit intentionally unsatisfying, taking the approach that there will never be true closure to the events that have unfolded. Definitely not a happy story, but an engaging one.
Graphic: Murder, Domestic abuse, and Violence
Moderate: Alcohol, Abandonment, and Bullying
jinsae's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Physical abuse, Gaslighting, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Racism and Rape
savannahtrice's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Physical abuse, Domestic abuse, Murder, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Racial slurs and Racism
avgastright's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Personally, I found the most moving character to be May, who is terrible for many reasons but who inspired the most pity from me than any of the rest. Willard’s death combined with the house in Honey Creek decaying around her made her bitterly angry, and the way she expresses that anger to the outside world was fascinating to watch. I saw parallels between her and some familiar faces in my own life, and for that reason I was rooting for her. In her own way, she ends up being the hero of the story. I only wish Ruth was able to see it that way, and it breaks my heart to know that she never will.
Graphic: Domestic abuse
Moderate: Rape