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carefulfearanddeaddevotion's review
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-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? Yes
3.5
Saw this book on a B&N shelf early last year, didn't buy it because my library had it, then didn't check it out until last Friday. I had no clue that it was a retelling (?) of The Brothers Karamazov by Dostoevsky (at the risk of sounding ignorant, I'd never even heard of this book before).
I've started using the CAWPILE rating system (I love formulas) and was surprised that I rated this as highly as I did. I think we all know that I prefer characters over plot, and these characters were so insufferable and weird for a large majority of the book. Still, they, and the plot, were really interesting and I could not put this book down! The writing was at times confusing and hard to follow. Leo Chao, and to a lesser extent, all of his sons, skeeved me out. Annoyed at Jamesfor letting O-Lan (or should I say, Chao Ru) get away and letting his brother go to jail. But, I believe in my heart of hearts, that Dagou will be exonerated . Ming was a little weirdo, and most of my confusion around the writing was because of his scenes. Though I feel this might have been intentional.
Still, there was something so captivating about this book and these characters and I couldn't look away.
I've started using the CAWPILE rating system (I love formulas) and was surprised that I rated this as highly as I did. I think we all know that I prefer characters over plot, and these characters were so insufferable and weird for a large majority of the book. Still, they, and the plot, were really interesting and I could not put this book down! The writing was at times confusing and hard to follow. Leo Chao, and to a lesser extent, all of his sons, skeeved me out. Annoyed at James
Still, there was something so captivating about this book and these characters and I couldn't look away.
Graphic: Death of parent, Xenophobia, Death, and Murder
Moderate: Mental illness, Sexual content, Alcohol, Emotional abuse, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Toxic relationship, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Sexual harassment and Classism
pun1sher's review
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Very well written, complex and sometimes unlikable characters, great portrayal of complicated familial and romantic relationships. Also a rather fast and easy read - I started and momentarily it seemed to over, in a good way. Many povs featured so it doesn't get boring
Moderate: Racism, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Xenophobia, Racial slurs, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Death of parent, Sexual content, Alcohol, and Murder
Possible dog eating, nervous breakdown, emotionally abusive parental figurekimveach's review against another edition
dark
emotional
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? Yes
5.0
I thought this was outstanding. The narration was excellent.
Graphic: Bullying, Cultural appropriation, Death, Grief, Alcohol, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Mental illness, Murder, and Racism
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