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imyril's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was… okay, I guess? It’s a slow meander through a repressively patriarchal future that has enough world building holes to nag me and populated by rather flat, forced characters who seem to think they’re in a SF novel from the 1950s. The Láadan plot got distressingly little focus for something that’s nominally the thrust of the novel, while the Government Works subplot ended up feeling like farce (and I couldn’t tell if it was meant to, or if it was aiming for edgy and missing). In fact, I struggle to find anything positive to say beyond it had an intriguing premise and was distinctly female in its gaze (which made for an interesting affect given how classic SF the men all came across as).
The longer I reflect on it, the more I’m tempted to dock a star, so I better stop thinking about it!
The longer I reflect on it, the more I’m tempted to dock a star, so I better stop thinking about it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Child death, and Sexism
Minor: Bullying, Cancer, Body shaming, and Murder
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