Reviews

The Things She's Seen by Ambelin Kwaymullina, Ezekiel Kwaymullina

theshygardener's review against another edition

5.0

This short book is technically YA but reads very much like adult fiction. It is a thriller that uncovers the intergenerational trauma of aboriginal characters with a strong focus on ways of healing and justice (namely the way that victims find justice when receiving no support from police). It is poetic and beautiful and one that I will certainly read again.

crystal_e_fall's review against another edition

4.0

I don't quite know what to rate this - I found the beginning a bit slow and the first chapter written in verse felt a bit clunky, but the lead up towards the end was excellent and it really caught my attention all the way through. I think a quite significant part of that was due to the incredible audiobook narrator, I was blown away by how engaging she made the story feel!

macklmoore's review against another edition

3.0

Although this book was interesting and enjoyable, I didn’t love the writing style and struggled at times to get into the story. That being said, I liked the dual narration, especially the sections of prose!

(2.5-3 stars)

apatnam's review against another edition

3.0

Speculative Fiction: I thought this book was a good mystery. I liked how it integrated Aboriginal stories with a thriller. The characters and plot were well developed. The sections in verse were confusing to follow.

claireabellaanthony's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.0

This book is very well done. The end particularly has some heavier stuff that's more distinct but it's not graphic. Recommend for YA and up!

ebralz's review against another edition

3.0

This was well written, but just not my cup of tea. Took me really long time to read it because I just couldn't connect with the story or the characters. However, it was well written and a good murder mystery for a YA book.

essjay2023's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

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

3.5

rosyapple's review against another edition

mysterious medium-paced

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

4.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child death and Racism

Moderate: Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Kidnapping, Grief, Car accident, and Colonisation

sometimesiread11's review against another edition

challenging emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75

toriedawn1's review against another edition

3.0

Well this book was certainly darker than I expected. Most of the main story is told through metaphors and when I figured them out my heart dropped. Though the story certainly pushed me to have a very viceral reaction I found myself getting tired of the way Catchings story was being told. I understand why they chose that style of storytelling but I felt the repetetive nature took something from the story. I felt this was a good story but it wasnt a writing style I particularly enjoyed, the timing seemed off. If you are after a short Psychological thriller tho this isnt bad.
Trigger Warnings:||Abuse, Murder, Death of a child||