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bluedijon's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Exactly the type of mystery novel that shines an unflinching light onto the social patterns that cause evil. A side of history rarely examined but so, so urgent - the fact that there are any parallels between 1936 Germany and 2025 USA, let alone being able to recognize some of the trends, is horrifying and utterly necessary to know about. Not an easy book by any means, but a worthwhile one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Genocide, Hate crime, Homophobia, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Terminal illness, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Police brutality, Antisemitism, Kidnapping, Religious bigotry, Murder, and Sexual harassment
hystericalonion's review against another edition
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
For some reason I just could not get into this book, despite it being very recommended. I did not find the main character lovable, and really did not like how the women were narrated. The mystery to solve wasn’t gripping. The end of the book almost feels like a different story, and that was far more interesting. However, some details were straight up horrifying and even as I finished it, my mind kept on going to them. Read the content warnings before starting the book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Rape, and Antisemitism
Moderate: Torture