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pigeonindustrialcomplex's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Beautifully written, certain surreal parts read like poetry in a way. The narrative is so dream-like that it enhances the impact of the last few paragraphs immensely. I reckon I'll remember Máni Steinn, and Bósi, for a long time even if I never re-read the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Homophobia, and Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent, Medical content, Forced institutionalization, Death, and Grief
Minor: Gore, Miscarriage, Chronic illness, War, Excrement, and Violence
therainbowshelf's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
As usual, I didn't read the description first and really enjoyed this. I read it for a books in translation challenge. I didn't anticipate the historic pandemic element! I liked the contrast between Máni's life and silent films. Many stunning lines in this book as well, like the one about the mortician having unexpected coffin orders at home. Content warnings for death, adult-minor sexual relations, and homophobia.
📚 The gist 📚: Máni Steinn loves silent films and escapes into their worlds as often as he can. Theaters are a place of sollace for him in early 1900s Iceland where homosexuality is not accepted. On top of the threat of being outed, Máni's life is impacted by societal threats, including a pandemic and the threat of war on the horizon.
📒Representation📒 mlm
💕 For readers looking for 💕: historical fiction, pandemics, silent films, queer protagonist, novel in verse, stunning verse.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Adult/minor relationship, Death, Violence, Outing, Homophobia, and Forced institutionalization
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