Take a photo of a barcode or cover
beetandbaguette's review
medium-paced
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Infertility, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
nicoleisalwaysreading's review
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I really enjoyed the way this read like a ghost story or a thriller with supernatural elements. I was starting to get scared for what Ava would find lurking in Martha or in her house (there were hints of actual possession, and in way, I do think Wilkerson Sexton was saying that racism is a demonic possession), and the build-up to the two key points in Josephine's story was captivating. This book was structured in an interesting and smart way. I will say, I felt like I wanted more scenes to fully play out, such as the supernatural linkage between Josephine-Gladys-Ava, more clear explanations of the Revisioners and the extent of their gifts, and how Josephine made her way to freedom as a child/with Jupiter. I have really been trying to figure out how exactly I feel about open endings, and this one was another to add to my recent list.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility, Physical abuse, Racism, Slavery, Violence, and Blood