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mal_reads_books's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-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
3.25
This was difficult for me to rate. While it did have poignant moments and messages, much of the book was dull to read. I would give the last few chapters alone 5 stars and the rest maybe 2-3 stars. Jefferson's scenes were compelling, and the journal scene toward the end was touching (even though the writing style was hard to read). The rest of the book focused on Grant while exploring different aspects of Black life in 1940s Louisiana, including everyday discrimination, how they were expected to act toward White people, colorism, religion and even the food.
I would've liked the book more had it been trimmed by at least a third. It was repetitive and unnecessarily over-detailed at times. Some scenes could've been removed without affecting the story or diminishing the overall message. Also, the writing was underwhelming and most characters were flat. I didn't like Grant's selfishness and when he took his anger out on the students.His decision not to show up at Jefferson's execution when given the chance low-key pissed me off. I didn't care for the romance between Grant and Vivian either, and felt it was there for the sake of having one. I feel the author wrote this book to be adapted into a play or movie, given his focus on details like the color of each character's clothes or the way he wrote dialogue.
Content-wise this was a tough and depressing read. Even though I already knew what will happen to Jefferson, seeing his development and eventually opening up to Grant made me at times not want to reach the ending.
I would've liked the book more had it been trimmed by at least a third. It was repetitive and unnecessarily over-detailed at times. Some scenes could've been removed without affecting the story or diminishing the overall message. Also, the writing was underwhelming and most characters were flat. I didn't like Grant's selfishness and when he took his anger out on the students.
Content-wise this was a tough and depressing read. Even though I already knew what will happen to Jefferson, seeing his development and eventually opening up to Grant made me at times not want to reach the ending.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Racial slurs
Moderate: Death, Blood, Gun violence, and Child abuse
Minor: Sexual content, Sexism, and Slavery
aublyn105's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
4.5 stars.
This novel was incredible, slightly slow at times for me, I don't know if that's because I read it for school or not. Gaines is an amazing writer and I want to read more of his work soon. Amazing ending, I loved the characters.
This novel was incredible, slightly slow at times for me, I don't know if that's because I read it for school or not. Gaines is an amazing writer and I want to read more of his work soon. Amazing ending, I loved the characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Slavery, Murder, Gun violence, Confinement, Racism, Racial slurs, Violence, and Police brutality
Moderate: Mental illness, Torture, Alcohol, and Grief
Minor: Sexual content and Sexism
someonelikeblue's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Racial slurs, Confinement, Violence, Child abuse, Racism, and Death
Moderate: Sexism, Fatphobia, Sexual content, and Alcohol
Minor: Slavery
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