Scan barcode
emjayknocks's review against another edition
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Tessa Thompson was the perfect narrator for this languid slow-burner about race in 1920s New York. The author blends tension, danger, and normalcy in such a way that meant I was never fully anxious, but also never totally comfortable, either - it struck the perfect chord of disquiet that kept me wanting more. I had seen the film but, luckily, forgotten the ending! It caught me off guard and its abruptness was the perfect counter to the rest of the story.
Content Warnings
Minor: Racial slurs
maraudergrl90's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Hate crime, Injury/Injury detail, Racial slurs, Racism, and Infidelity
maia313's review
challenging
reflective
medium-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
4.0
Read for uni, really interesting to read and study. Love the topic of the Harlem renaissance, the settings of both NYC and Chicago and the character's places in them really come to life. And very interesting reflections on race, class.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racism, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Outing
chwinters's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
- 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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Racial slurs
Moderate: Toxic friendship
rieviolet's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-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
4.0
This novella packs a lot into a little more than one hundred pages.
In the foreground there's race and the concept of passing, with all of its moral implications. I think the theme is explored really well, and through the different characters we can observe all of its nuances.
The author is also good at delving deep into the main character's psychology. The relationship between Irene and Clare is fraught with conflicting emotions, and it is build upon in a very clever way until the shocking breaking point.
I really appreciated the themes and the prose, but I wasn't completely swept away by the story, hence the 4-star rating.
In the foreground there's race and the concept of passing, with all of its moral implications. I think the theme is explored really well, and through the different characters we can observe all of its nuances.
The author is also good at delving deep into the main character's psychology. The relationship between Irene and Clare is fraught with conflicting emotions, and it is build upon in a very clever way until the shocking breaking point.
I really appreciated the themes and the prose, but I wasn't completely swept away by the story, hence the 4-star rating.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
Moderate: Death, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, and Misogyny
Minor: Infidelity, Child abuse, Antisemitism, Murder, Suicide, Xenophobia, Alcoholism, Death of parent, Hate crime, Religious bigotry, Fatphobia, and Classism
infusedchai's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
not as outwardly gay as i expected, but still a good quick read! explores interesting themes of race. brain and irene are the closted couple of the century
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
minkkmuse's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- 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
audiobook reread.
what is race? what is reality? the intoxicating mix of danger and desire.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
Moderate: Murder
lesdialazo's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- 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? It's complicated
3.5
First read through, this version of the audiobook was a bit difficult to keep up with. So, I think I have to get a physical copy to better understand some of it. The ending shocked me though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
kylieve's review against another edition
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Racial slurs
scarroll178's review
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
So well crafted. Only complaint is that I wish it had been longer because I wanted to see the ramifications of Clare’s death on Irene’s life and her marriage.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, Racial slurs, and Racism