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dragonish's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
This was complicated. Delaney has a skill as a writer that’s undeniable, but the content, specifically age dynamics in relationships and graphic scenes with dubious consent, makes this hard to enjoy. Being written in the 70s and the circumstances of Delaney’s life lend a lens to view this work through that makes it understandable (though not better). The symbolism and story arcs in this story are near impossible to follow and that brings a considerable deal of mysterious fun to our unreliable narrators adventurous story. I can see how polarizing this novel is and also how it has become a queer sci-fi classic
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Pedophilia, Racial slurs, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Violence
Moderate: Ableism
If you’re interested in the author, I would start with one of their earlier novels, perhaps babel 17?
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