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bigraymond's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Cursing, Forced institutionalization, Homophobia, Outing, Physical abuse, and Violence
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Sexual content, Sexism, and Misogyny
upward_not_northward's review
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
A sad coming-of-age story with an even sadder ending. The author has a wonderful writing style that captures the naivety of childish thinking.
Moderate: Alcohol, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, and Violence
Minor: Abandonment, Forced institutionalization, Infidelity, Misogyny, Outing, and Sexual content
tilo's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
The writing style is beautiful in a way that is almost haunting. However, unfortunately, the story tried to build up to something that never really came and what was presented in the last chapters came out of left field so that I feel like it did not do justice to the important topic. The last chapters, therefore, ignored all other points that were brought up just to start something else last minute.
The book was said to be about three brothers "tightly bound and fiercely loyal to one another" which made me want to read it. Yet, despite few instances, most of the book was about the brothers differences, them bullying each other, and their bound consisted of them living in the same toxic household while doing the bare minimum to support each other.
A lot of interesting plotlines were hinted at, none of them explored. Those hints hooked me and made me want to finish it. I wanted to learn more about the characters, although they felt stereotypical, so I feel like a longer version of this book that took the time to explore the individual paths of the brothers (especially the oldest whom I expected to play a bigger role with the constant hints at his ideals and plans) would have really used the potential of this story. Alternatively, considering the powerful writing style, I feel like this could have been written in poems, catching the essence and rawness while only allowing glimpses that do not ask for further exploration.
The book was said to be about three brothers "tightly bound and fiercely loyal to one another" which made me want to read it. Yet, despite few instances, most of the book was about the brothers differences, them bullying each other, and their bound consisted of them living in the same toxic household while doing the bare minimum to support each other.
A lot of interesting plotlines were hinted at, none of them explored. Those hints hooked me and made me want to finish it. I wanted to learn more about the characters, although they felt stereotypical, so I feel like a longer version of this book that took the time to explore the individual paths of the brothers (especially the oldest whom I expected to play a bigger role with the constant hints at his ideals and plans) would have really used the potential of this story. Alternatively, considering the powerful writing style, I feel like this could have been written in poems, catching the essence and rawness while only allowing glimpses that do not ask for further exploration.
Graphic: Child abuse and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Confinement, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Homophobia, Outing, Rape, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Sexual content and Sexual violence
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