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yourbookishbff's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
What ultimately makes the romance work is the unique twist on epistolary, as our main characters develop a way to send coded telegrams while he's at sea. I loved the use of these codes to develop their confidence in each other, and then eventually to deepen their physical and emotional intimacy.
I would consider this workplace romance - kind of - and friends to lovers - kind of. Ultimately, it's the bridging of two people who have a LOT of personal reflection and growth they need to accomplish before they can truly commit to each other. I was so satisfied with each of their storylines, as they navigate their own traumatic pasts and uncertain futures.
As we saw in book two, we again see both characters navigating complex code switching, and we get an excoriating examination of transracial "adoption" during this time - a commentary that has a lot of relevance today, too.
This is a slow-paced story in every respect, with around a year elapsing in the storyline, frequent time jumps, and significant distance - geographically and emotionally - between MCs. The writing is stunning (no surprise for Milan readers) and I cried messily through the last 10%. I will also note that for a book where the romance was largely secondary for the first 75% this HEATS UP at the end, and I loved it!
Graphic: Kidnapping, Racism, Grief, Gaslighting, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Abandonment, War, Racial slurs, and Death
book_gremlin42'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? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Racism, Colonisation, and Sexual content
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Slavery and Emotional abuse
kyeruhh's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Grief, Colonisation, Religious bigotry, Classism, Racism, and Sexual content
Moderate: Death and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Homophobia
relin's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Sexual content, Xenophobia, War, Toxic relationship, Grief, Racism, Gaslighting, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Panic attacks/disorders, and Kidnapping
Minor: Abandonment
millennia's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Racism, Sexual content, and Xenophobia
small_giant_plans's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Grief, Religious bigotry, and Sexual content
Moderate: Kidnapping, Racism, and Xenophobia
Minor: Slavery and Vomit