Scan barcode
amkclaes's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
this is a book about growing up queer in rural northern France in the 90s. it was a fascinating window for me, someone who immigrated to France, into the male dominated culture of this country, influenced by class. through Eddy's eyes we have a real sociocultural analysis. all of this informs all his traumatic experiences - this is a really dark book - but Eddy has a way of describing that keeps a certain humor.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Incest, Sexism, Homophobia, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Xenophobia
astridrv's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
I have seen the author compared to Ernaux, and I can see why. A troubling account of poverty, bullying, and homophobia from a narrator whose conflict with social and gender roles in his family and village provided him with a self aware analytical gaze on social behaviours and class patterns. However, none of it felt as novel and thought provoking as I expected, given that this book was all rage when it came out. The writing is unremarkable, which feels almost rude to write, but remains important to me as a reader. The story matters, but is banal - arguably, that is why it does.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Bullying, Homophobia, Incest, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Violence
Moderate: Miscarriage, Toxic friendship, and Xenophobia
Minor: Ableism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Cancer, Car accident, Child abuse, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Excrement, and Vomit
achillea's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
no
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Bullying, Child abuse, Cursing, Gore, Homophobia, Sexual content, and Violence
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Domestic abuse, Incest, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Racism, and Xenophobia
More...