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n_asyikin_'s review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
That being said, the book did explored difficult themes - which may send the wrong message to those naive on the topic.
Strong warning that ableism was hugely depicted in the story, & I have certain qualms about that contributed to my hesitancy to give this book a high score. I don't have the type of disability/conditions shown in the book, but I've personally experienced some of the ableist treatments & the challenges resulting from that; Henry's forced masking, & his feelings about himself, felt too close to home. It was infuriating to read, & by no means do I think Kim was supporting that view; there was a counter-narrative, criticizing & rightly calling out how abusive ableism is. But I did think that it could be addressed more explicitly at the end.
The primary theme explored through the plot was the complication (i.e. mess) of one's action & intent (& even, unintentional consequences). Although the act of criminality was accounted for, I thought the story arc relating to ableism ended rather abstractly; very little tangible discussion about how it affect its primary victims: disabled people. Perhaps, that's also the issue I have, the heavy focus on the guardians instead of the individuals experiencing it.
I hope that when people read this, they would realise how disgustingly dangerous ableist views are; literally, abusing & dehumanizing disabled people, no matter the "good" (i.e. selfish) intent one has. Also, any criticism relating to "burden of care" should lay in the system; although I sympathize with the parents & acknowledge the emotional toll they may face in consequence of the systemic failure, I felt like the children were "blamed"; again, the centering of the guardians erased the effects of ableism on its primary victims. If Kim was to extol more on that, it would've made the story stronger, & more just.
Another theme I thought interesting was how abstract & theoretical the court proceedings (i.e. justice system) could be. One of the highlights was how "science" was manipulated by and/or towards science illeterate people & system; note that forensic "science" techniques aren't standardized with many being not valid and reliable in their methods & interpretations. Also, the injustice that can results in the semantics of things, specifically when they were discussing about abuse. Then again, I liked how that scene implied how we, as a society, often normalize abusive interactions (e.g. parent(s)-child(ren)).
Overall, Miracle Creek would suit a fan of mystery. Kim's approach in terms of the story-structure & narrations made for a highly engaging read. Although, I think readers should educate themselves on ableism (especially relating to autism) to fully grasp the story.
Graphic: Ableism, Rape, Sexual content, and Suicide
Moderate: Gaslighting and Fire/Fire injury
flordemaga's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
But I can’t like it. I can’t like the characters, except for Mary, and later on, Young. I can’t like their views, their thoughts. I can’t like Matt in any way possible and can’t imagine anyone liking him.
I’m glad I read it. But I wouldn’t again.
Graphic: Child death, Ableism, Body horror, Child abuse, Death, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Infidelity, Medical content, Rape, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Car accident, Gore, Medical trauma, Pedophilia, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Forced institutionalization and Confinement
adriennne's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Child death, Death, Chronic illness, Violence, Adult/minor relationship, and Rape
Moderate: Child abuse, Suicidal thoughts, and Xenophobia
Minor: Car accident
gloriazthompson's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Death of parent, Death, and Infertility
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Terminal illness, Rape, Racial slurs, Murder, Mental illness, and Infidelity
vlntnmz's review against another edition
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Medical content, Medical trauma, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Rape and Sexual assault
mariekejee's review against another edition
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Speaking of terrible, the book deals with very, very heavy topics, and doesn't shy away from discussing them. It has graphic descriptions of the accident, which made me feel a plethora of emotions; and although I'd love to tell you about the other topics, there's a good chance of me spoiling plot points. If you feel like you need a warning, though, please look up the trigger warnings!
I loved the courtroom setting, the family and interpersonal drama, the characters, how often the narrator changed. There's little I do not love, except maybe that the twist at the end did not shock me. But, in a novel that did so much right for me, I cannot fault it for that too much.
Graphic: Suicide, Sexual violence, Rape, Ableism, Child abuse, Child death, Death, and Sexual assault