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natashamountney's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Homophobia and War
Minor: Death of parent and Police brutality
noveltay's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Death of parent, Police brutality, Homophobia, and Death
gerzonvillegas's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Homophobia and Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Outing, Terminal illness, Adult/minor relationship, Death of parent, and Chronic illness
Minor: War, Animal death, Drug use, and Police brutality
axel_p's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Graphic: Homophobia
Moderate: Death of parent and Police brutality
reclusivebookslug's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Death of parent and Homophobia
Minor: Antisemitism and Police brutality
fatfrog's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Homophobia
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Death of parent
Minor: Drug use and Vomit
mraddd's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Moderate: Homophobia, Violence, Sexual content, War, and Medical content
Minor: Death of parent and Drug use
puddlemud's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Homophobia, Death of parent, and Drug use
Minor: Antisemitism
bill369's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.75
I understand the situation of both main characters. They each got their struggle and are trying to do their best. I like them both. I admire Ludwik for his critical mind. He fights for freedom while being aware of the consequences these actions may resolve in. Every action and conversation counts. On the other hand, I admire Janusz for his shrewdness. He knows who to be friends with to achieve advantages. He's aware of how to cheat the system. Their relationship is incredibly beautiful. I love all the aspects of it. Despite the rather tragic end, I suppose it's my favourite fictional couple to exist. The positive part was amazing. Their relationship woke so many of my emotions. I was joyful, shocked, angry and sad. Everything about it is perfect. I simply adore them. The other characters seem great too. I got nothing to complain about.
Two homosexuals in communist Poland. The historic depiction is fabulous. I've learned quite a few new facts while mainly focusing on the relationship. The book shows the need for connections and how the lives of „equal“ people differ. For instance, without connexions, there's a minimal chance of getting some more luxurious goods because of their constant shortage. More importantly, it shows the ubiquitous homophobia. Despite being illegal it would cause them a lot of trouble therefore they had to hide. As consequence, they felt like there was something wrong with them. They were told to feel that way. And I find that just horrible. It's so unfair people are looked down on just because of who they love. Not to forget, the always present fear of loneliness. The impossibility of thinking their love could work out. How could they believe in such a thing if they didn't know anyone for whom it did work out?
Page 11, powerful others.
Page 39, the neverending fear of loneliness.
Page 175, calm but on the werge of a breakdown the plus fear of loneliness.
Page 197, we can't beg others to love us.
Page 198, desire to be cared for.
Although the end of the book is sad and I did cry while I was reading the book I wasn't crying while reading this part in particular.
Master's work. I adore this book. I love it very dearly. I'm really glad I read it.
Moderate: Forced institutionalization, Homophobia, Medical content, and Sexual content
Minor: Antisemitism, Abandonment, Alcohol, Death of parent, and Drug use
domreadsb00ks's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Death of parent, Drug use, Toxic relationship, Homophobia, Adult/minor relationship, and Sexual content