Reviews

Who They Was by Gabriel Krauze

bigd1711's review

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challenging dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.25

laurenleyendolibros's review

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challenging dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

clairewilsonleeds's review against another edition

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5.0

This was a departure from what I normally read, but I was very impressed. The only thing I personally didn't enjoy was the fact I didn't like the narrator (it seems to be semi-autobiographical) and I was kind of put out by the fact he didn't really have any kind of real justification for living in the way he did. I think that was *the point*, though. Wavered between 4 and 5 stars.

bethanllystawel's review against another edition

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challenging dark reflective sad medium-paced
  • 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

hsk1's review against another edition

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dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

emilyyyrich's review against another edition

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4.0

Krauze is incredible at painting a picture of life in South Kilburn - a place not too far from me and yet it could be another world. Gritty and moving. ⭐️ 3.5/5

urbanite's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

200suns's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

griffinbibliophile's review

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adventurous dark fast-paced

4.75

terrypaulpearce's review

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5.0

This is a gut punch. A wake-up call. A damn good read. Sad, bad, mad and very dangerous to know if you are comfortable in your bubble right now. It's like The Corner, but for 2020s Britain, and told in a searing voice that you won't forget. Searing, that's a good word for this, yeah. Searing.