Reviews

This Other Eden by Paul Harding

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bibliobrandie's review against another edition

3.0

Harding's language is lyrical but the characters felt like caricatures. Like Harding saw some old photos from Malaga Island and then made up the story (made me think of Ransom Riggs). There are so many characters and you never really get to know them, know how they feel about their home or getting evicted from it. Also I think setting and identity could have been explored more. And maybe I have just read way too many middle grade historical fiction because I expected some back matter in this book. Something that told of the real lives of Malaga Island or what inspired Harding to write this story. I was left feeling meh.

cwang19's review against another edition

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challenging dark sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

tatitatetats's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

1.0

Longwinded with pauses of poetry. The author's abhorrent disregard for the history of his inspiration leaves the book feeling shallow and hollow, but worst of all deeply disrespectful to the island, it's people and their descendants.

Content Warnings