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3.47 AVERAGE
3.47 AVERAGE
challenging
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
reflective
slow-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
challenging
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I would have stayed with this if the writing flowed better. I found myself re-reading paragraphs because ideas/actions seemed to come out of nowhere with no connection to what was happening. Just too disjointed for me and I was not confident the payoff would be there.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It’s an atypical historical novel; time does not proceed linearly and there is not a single, clear event being reconstructed. If you experience the novel with patience, I think the reader gets a lot.
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
challenging
informative
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I found the part of Bond’s history interesting-starting with his father’s enslavement and evolving with his own story as he serves the family.
I feel like there’s a lot of talk of morality with Touche struggling between doing what's right for herself and what's right for the family. Yet I feel like there's not much new information-flash back from her past that doesn't really change her, just more cements who she is in the reader’s mind. Until after the trial, does Touche get the push to go on with life.
I do find it well written but I guess this is one of those novels that needs a lot of analysis and thinking to put in, something I’m not sure I can give it. For those that like reflective, character driven stories can enjoy it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery
Moderate: Child death, Death, Infidelity, Classism
Minor: Sexual content, Sexual violence, Fire/Fire injury
One to read when you have time to pay deep attention. Like any Zadie Smith, it’s challenging, insightful, well written, and takes on big themes of life.
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot