Scan barcode
thearchivist03's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This coming of age tale is really dark, but it's reflective. I wish the author hadn't spoiled that the main character is dead in the first few pages as I think it took away from the surprise at the end when you learn of the truth behind the murder mystery.
That being said, the prose was so beautiful. This was excellently written out, scenery and Janet' character and her inner monologues were spelled out perfectly in feeling and in words. I wish the plot had more to it, but it does follow a person's life, which doesn't give room to be creative. It was very linear storytelling, very static, and I think that's what threw me off personally. The ending and moral of this story is dark, but it does make me think and wonder of the existence and societal responsibilities placed on children, especially the eldest. Very tragic tale, not too enjoyable and lighthearted, but thought provoking.
That being said, the prose was so beautiful. This was excellently written out, scenery and Janet' character and her inner monologues were spelled out perfectly in feeling and in words. I wish the plot had more to it, but it does follow a person's life, which doesn't give room to be creative. It was very linear storytelling, very static, and I think that's what threw me off personally. The ending and moral of this story is dark, but it does make me think and wonder of the existence and societal responsibilities placed on children, especially the eldest. Very tragic tale, not too enjoyable and lighthearted, but thought provoking.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Bullying, Sexism, Death, Misogyny, and Murder
Moderate: Sexual content, Sexual harassment, and Sexual violence
Minor: Toxic relationship and War
feelinwitchy's review
emotional
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual assault, Murder, Sexual harassment, Animal death, Violence, Sexism, Misogyny, and Forced institutionalization
Moderate: Blood
Minor: War, Vomit, Genocide, Religious bigotry, Antisemitism, and Alcohol
abbyeck's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment and Murder
samwescott's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Beautiful, moody, and weird. Not much happens plot wise and what does happen goes largely unexplained in very conspicuous and weird ways. It's a quirky novel about a sympathetic, idiosyncratic main character with extremely beautiful writing. I do recommend it, but go in expecting more of an experience than a linear story.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, and Murder
emilo's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Murder, Sexual harassment, and Death
Minor: Racial slurs
eatenbywaffles's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
For being a short book, it took me a while to get thru it. It started off fine, but it took me a few pages to get use to the author's writing style. Elspeth Barker's writing is beautiful imo! The way she describes a scene/mood is so smooth(?? I'm having trouble conveying what I mean haha ^^; ). Maybe lyrical? Graceful? Idk, but I loved it once I settled into the story.
The main character, Janet, was interesting...
I sympathized with her, but she was a bit cringey and I could understand why she didn't have any friends. But I also felt a kinship with her because I get it. She just wanted to be left alone to read and hangout with her animal friends, and daydream about how she wanted her life to be. She seemed like a regular kid/teenage girl. Her family kind of did suck too, which is why she was also crappy at times lol. But idk, I liked her for the most part!
We start off knowing she's going to die young, which sort of gave me the lingering feeling of having a dark cloud over me while I read.ESPECIALLY when we get to Janet's and Claws' relationship! I cried man, I felt so bad for Claws, even now while I type this out Q_Q
Overall, a good book that is well-written!
The main character, Janet, was interesting...
I sympathized with her, but she was a bit cringey and I could understand why she didn't have any friends. But I also felt a kinship with her because I get it. She just wanted to be left alone to read and hangout with her animal friends, and daydream about how she wanted her life to be. She seemed like a regular kid/teenage girl. Her family kind of did suck too, which is why she was also crappy at times lol. But idk, I liked her for the most part!
We start off knowing she's going to die young, which sort of gave me the lingering feeling of having a dark cloud over me while I read.
Overall, a good book that is well-written!
Content Warnings
Minor: Murder and Sexual harassment
waybeyondblue's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder, Animal cruelty, Sexual harassment, and Animal death
rach22's review against another edition
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
It was definitely well written. I don’t really know what to think. It was very slow moving and I couldn’t help but like and sympathise with Janet even though she wasn’t the best person. It was sad but quite funny in parts. I felt I could relate to it in parts and it made me think. I also felt very sad for Lila.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual harassment
More...