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linatheteafairy's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Self harm, Suicide attempt, Death, Grief, and Suicide
2treads's review
sad
medium-paced
- 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? It's complicated
3.0
...I am not like I used to be. So I'm starting to wonder if it's me who has not tasted freedom, me who has not lived. —Jade
Turton writes with an earnestness that pulls readers in but can also sometimes repel when the tone and execution of the writing changes. But as a debut there is room to grow from here. Jade Is A Twisted Green is a story of searching and grief, of love and family, of doing things in your own time, and accepting the brokenness that now defines your life because of a shattering loss.
Jade is young and the ways in which she approaches life makes that obvious, but it is also real, in that young adults are still out there questioning and questing for their whole self. She makes mistakes, doesn't communicate, is afraid to confront head-on her intimate relationships, which then makes for difficult interactions and reactions.
I loved all the '90s call-backs via music, shows, and individuals. The slang that infuses the dialogue also speaks to the time and youth of these characters, although at times I felt that the slang of right now was also used and that didn't fit the time-frame over which the story took place.
Seeing her grow towards dealing with her grief, accepting her pain, and moving through to the other side where she finally was truthful about what she was feeling was great. Grief is a process, a constant, and thriving parallel to it is a path we all must walk.
Turton writes with an earnestness that pulls readers in but can also sometimes repel when the tone and execution of the writing changes. But as a debut there is room to grow from here. Jade Is A Twisted Green is a story of searching and grief, of love and family, of doing things in your own time, and accepting the brokenness that now defines your life because of a shattering loss.
Jade is young and the ways in which she approaches life makes that obvious, but it is also real, in that young adults are still out there questioning and questing for their whole self. She makes mistakes, doesn't communicate, is afraid to confront head-on her intimate relationships, which then makes for difficult interactions and reactions.
I loved all the '90s call-backs via music, shows, and individuals. The slang that infuses the dialogue also speaks to the time and youth of these characters, although at times I felt that the slang of right now was also used and that didn't fit the time-frame over which the story took place.
Seeing her grow towards dealing with her grief, accepting her pain, and moving through to the other side where she finally was truthful about what she was feeling was great. Grief is a process, a constant, and thriving parallel to it is a path we all must walk.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Grief
anapthine's review
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Just beautiful. The protagonist Jade really does find herself after the death of her twin sister. The novel is emotional and reflective on grief and how progress is made. The other characters, Tay and Amethyst are also brilliantly written. This book is packed full with humility and love, and is about a black community in Canada. The plot and storyline was addictive.
As a queer teenager, the mention of many queer characters and their stories. Includes: unlabelled, bisexual, lesbian characters and wlw relationships. I really enjoyed this book and can’t fault it at all. I can’t wait to see what other books this author comes out with.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, and Grief
Minor: Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Sexual content
queerspoons's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Jade is a Twisted Green is a beautiful story about grief, identity, and the different forms love can take. It switches perspective between multiple characters and time periods, which can make it a little confusing at first, but the reader is quickly launched into the world of Little Jamaica (in Toronto) and its inhabitants.
The use of dialects throughout the book (and thus the code switching of characters) is a love letter in and of itself to anyone who grew up speaking a nonstandard version of a language. It is celebrated, normalized, and not explained within the novel’s pages. While at times, the narrative felt stunted and we were told about the characters’ feelings rather than shown in some way, the overarching themes held the book up well.
Jade is a Twisted Green is a beautiful story about grief, identity, and the different forms love can take. It switches perspective between multiple characters and time periods, which can make it a little confusing at first, but the reader is quickly launched into the world of Little Jamaica (in Toronto) and its inhabitants.
The use of dialects throughout the book (and thus the code switching of characters) is a love letter in and of itself to anyone who grew up speaking a nonstandard version of a language. It is celebrated, normalized, and not explained within the novel’s pages. While at times, the narrative felt stunted and we were told about the characters’ feelings rather than shown in some way, the overarching themes held the book up well.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Alcohol
theoceanrose's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I want more.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Grief, Death, and Panic attacks/disorders
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