Reviews tagging 'Sexism'

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

50 reviews

thankstomylocallibrary's review against another edition

informative inspiring reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexism, Murder, Medical content, Pregnancy, Rape, and Child death

ashdawn's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful mysterious medium-paced

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

5.0

The story telling and characters are incredible! And so many of the romantic relationships are so sweet. It made me cry and I'm definitely going to be thinking about this one for a while. 

Just a heads up, there are some graphic descriptions of childbirth, blood, and rape in this book.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual violence, Rape, Blood, and Sexism

Moderate: Violence, Medical content, and Medical trauma

shelbydm's review against another edition

dark informative mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.5

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Murder, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Misogyny, Blood, Medical content, Pregnancy, Child death, and Death

staceymadams's review against another edition

emotional informative reflective sad tense slow-paced

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

5.0

Beautifully written. My second Lawhon book; I’ll definitely be checking out her backlist. Very strong Outlander vibes, especially once they’ve set up the homestead in America. Fantastic strong female character and voice. Very informative and infuriating subject matter. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual harassment, Pregnancy, Murder, Sexism, Grief, Rape, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Medical content, and Child death

candicemcrae's review against another edition

emotional inspiring sad tense medium-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? No

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Murder, Rape, Child death, Blood, Sexual violence, Pregnancy, Racism, Sexism, Miscarriage, Sexual assault, Death, and Grief

emlittle's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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

5.0

I have truly been blessed with a high quality reading streak and The Frozen River just added onto it. The story was captivating, but the star of the show was the characters. Lawhon created this incredible, empathetic, and intelligent main character (Martha) and gave her an expansive web of well rounded supporting characters. Some standouts in her supporting cast include Ephraim (her incredibly supportive, silver tongued husband), Cyrus (their mute, protective of his sisters and tender hearted son), and Sarah White (an unmarried earnest young woman, shamed by the village for having a child out of wedlock). 

Seeing her interact with everyone and getting a sense of family dynamics and town politics? At a certain point I was so engrossed in Martha’s personal life that I was more than content if we never got back to the actual plot of the book. But alas, we did lol

What I found most interesting about The Frozen River was the overall *feel* of the book. While the story deals With themes that are objectively dark (namely sexual assault and murder), Lawhon maintains almost a cozy tone throughout. It almost has the makings of a comfort read while handling the crimes committed with the seriousness and care that they should be granted. Maybe it’s the way you get to experience it all through Martha’s POV; she’s steadfast, reassuring, and empathetic. She’s exactly the kind of person you would want in your corner in your most vulnerable moments.

Overall, The Frozen River was an absolutely excellent read. (Unfortunately for me, it’s left me in a reading slump ever since 😭) 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual assault, Violence, Murder, Ableism, Miscarriage, Blood, Sexism, and Sexual violence

melarie's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

I really didn’t enjoy it. In many ways, the main character and her husband reminded me of Claire and Jamie Fraser from Outlander. The main difference is that Martha is nowhere near as lovable or as developed a character as Claire, so the modern pronouncements about women’s rights etc came off forced rather than natural and charming. Additionally, for me, the rape storylines were too prominent and detailed for comfort. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Rape, Sexual harassment, Sexism, Sexual violence, and Child death

autumnlpalmer1976's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying, Pregnancy, Miscarriage, Murder, Rape, Sexism, Blood, Emotional abuse, Classism, Death, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Violence

victoriatalksbooks's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful informative reflective sad medium-paced

• 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

4.0

This was an enjoyable read if you like historical fiction by authors such as Marie Benedict. The tone of the book reminded me of The Giver of Stars. There is a mystery element throughout that kept me interested but felt unnecessarily prolonged (and at times annoyed - if you need your MC to be a shrewd detective this is not for you). Definitely read the detailed author's note as it helps frame the story and answered several questions I had. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual violence, Murder, Rape, Religious bigotry, Child death, Colonisation, Emotional abuse, Medical content, Sexism, Death, Pregnancy, and Sexual assault

emmehooks's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad fast-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? No

4.75

I wish this book had a trigger warning for readers. It is historical and beautifully written but it is does not mince words about the experiences and effects of sexual assault.

Overall, wonderful. I loved the feminist lens and disability neutrality (as opposed to inspiration porn or tragedy). 

SPOILER <the Justice was a little too poetic, if you know what I mean.>

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Colonisation, Murder, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Child death, Pregnancy, Sexual violence, and Sexism

Moderate: Xenophobia and Grief

Minor: War, Slavery, Vomit, and Blood