Reviews with content warning for Dementia - In Ascension

Well. What a book.
I was instantly gripped by the first and second sections of the book. As a marine biologist myself, I thoroughly enjoyed the science that is mentioned throughout and the way Leigh describes her connection to the ocean had me mesmerised. By the last quarter of the book, I did struggle with the pace. I also found some of the sentences to be very long winded and nonsensical.
The end of the book was mysterious and reflective. I enjoyed it although it was perhaps a more challenging read than I had anticipated.
Bravo!

Content Warnings

emlibe's review against another edition

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informative inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Content Warnings

mlewis's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

mmccombs's review against another edition

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dark mysterious reflective medium-paced

4.25

This was such an interesting blend of scifi and plain old fi, an introspective and lonely novel that kind of reminded me of Interstellar and Arrival. I do feel like it didn’t reach its full potential, that it’s themes of circularity and interconnected were not fully realized in its structure. But I liked that we were fully immersed in Leigh’s background and her family, helping us make connections with the science and loftiness of the rest of the novel. I do think we could have either gotten more of her sister’s perspective or none at all, having one section near the end felt kind of disconnected. An interesting Booker pick that I don’t imagine will make it to the shortlist (and maybe it’s designation as a Booker nominee lessened my enjoyment of this book because I think I expected slightly more). But it was very readable, propulsive, and thoughtful, I had a good time reading this one.

Content Warnings

kirstym25's review against another edition

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adventurous reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Content Warnings

feebles640's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

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