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tysbooks's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
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
4.0
I didn't know what to expect going into this, but I certainly didn't expect for this to be so deep. I viewed this as an apology letter from a father to a son. We have Jacob, the father, who we learn is dying from cancer, who decides to write a letter to his son, Isaac, to basically explain all of actions over the years. Jacob describes his upbringing, his relationship with Isaac's mother and why he had such a hard time accepting the fact that Isaac was gay. This book really touched on a lot but it primarily focused on the relationship that Jacob really wanted to have with Isaac and why he had a hard time accepting his sexuality. This book touched on bullying, double standards, abusive relationships, how people are a product of their environment and what it looked like to grow up in the 50's and 60's for black people.
I liked how we saw Jacob grow throughout the course of the book and how remorseful he felt for how he treated his son, but there was a part towards the end where I felt like no matter how awful he was he still wanted someone to pat him on the back for the couple of nice things or fun moments he had with Isaac. This is really picky, but you can't tell someone else how to describe you or what to point out about you because to that person it might not be important. That just didn't sit well with me. I also wish we got at least one response from Isaac. It would have been really nice to see how the son truly felt about his father especially once Jacob revealed his remorse. All in all, I thought this was solid and would read from this author again.
I liked how we saw Jacob grow throughout the course of the book and how remorseful he felt for how he treated his son, but there was a part towards the end where I felt like no matter how awful he was he still wanted someone to pat him on the back for the couple of nice things or fun moments he had with Isaac. This is really picky, but you can't tell someone else how to describe you or what to point out about you because to that person it might not be important. That just didn't sit well with me. I also wish we got at least one response from Isaac. It would have been really nice to see how the son truly felt about his father especially once Jacob revealed his remorse. All in all, I thought this was solid and would read from this author again.
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia, Domestic abuse, Bullying, and Suicide
mcelizabeth97's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I'm having a hard time putting my thoughts about this book into words.
Don't Cry for Me is an epistolary novel written from a father on his death bed to his gay son who he hasn't spoken to in years. The writing is so well done that if you had told me these were actual letters written by a man to his son, I would believe you. Daniel Black definitely has a gift (and also reads the audiobook which I recommend listening to).
Being able to see Jacob reflect on his entire life and think of all the things he wish he had done differently was heartbreaking. Seeing his reasoning for doing the things he'd done and hearing his regrets made me sadder than I expected to be.
I rate this book highly, but I'm not really sure who I would recommend it to. Please check the trigger warnings before reading this book.
Don't Cry for Me is an epistolary novel written from a father on his death bed to his gay son who he hasn't spoken to in years. The writing is so well done that if you had told me these were actual letters written by a man to his son, I would believe you. Daniel Black definitely has a gift (and also reads the audiobook which I recommend listening to).
Being able to see Jacob reflect on his entire life and think of all the things he wish he had done differently was heartbreaking. Seeing his reasoning for doing the things he'd done and hearing his regrets made me sadder than I expected to be.
I rate this book highly, but I'm not really sure who I would recommend it to. Please check the trigger warnings before reading this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Homophobia, Domestic abuse, and Cancer
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Gun violence, Suicide, and Abortion
brokenspine's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Domestic abuse, and Violence
Moderate: Slavery, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicide, Abortion, Alcoholism, and Bullying
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