Reviews

The Dove in the Belly by Jim Grimsley

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codysmovingcastle's review

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

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

5.0

This is tender and achingly beautiful. The writing is raw, honest and inticing and the characters are so intriguing. I knew nothing about the novel going in, just that I liked the cover and title and oh my god, I was so surprised by how quickly I devoured it

egilmore's review

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4.0

I understand why Grimsley is canonical queer lit fic. Like many, I found this book quietly, unexpectedly and I read it in solitude. Like many, I don’t know why it doesn’t have more reviews. The writing seems straightforward but there are layers here, between what is said and unsaid. So many complex emotions in such a little story. Audiobook was excellent, and I think the narrator made Ben more sympathetic sounding than he would have just off the page.

dreamscape's review

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emotional reflective sad slow-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

3.75

hxs623's review

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emotional inspiring sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes

5.0

liliflynn's review

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challenging reflective slow-paced

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

4.5

such gorgeous writing — i refuse to believe this is being marketed as YA !!

the characters were so fully formed and I just adored them — even Ben, who i often times despised, i still felt for and loved

definitely a vibes > plot (which i adore)