Reviews with content warning for Rape - Les tentacules

Reviews tagging 'Rape'

Les tentacules by Rita Indiana

13 reviews

12dejamoo's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious medium-paced

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

3.0

At once very confusing and super compelling. There was something about it which made me want to keep reading even as I got very lost in much of it. I am hesitant to call it 'weird' because I think it belongs to a culture I don't have experience of, but there definitely is that hazy blending of futurism, dystopia, religion, sex, and questions about gender. Multiple characters have multiple lives going on at the same time to the point where you aren't ever quite sure what's real or who is who. Some of this becomes obvious as you read, but it does leave you quite confused at times.

I wonder how much more would be clear if you had an understanding of orishas and Dominican traditional religion, and how much was lost on me as an outsider. I'm definitely glad I read it but I probably wouldn't rush back to it again.

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beansandrice's review against another edition

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challenging mysterious fast-paced

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

4.0

This could've easily been 5/5, and it's sad it's not. A queer latin take on climate fiction, what more could I ask for? A less racist book :/

The African spiritual themes are treated as set-dressing, and black characters are treated terribly throughout the entire book, which makes the spiritual stuff feel appropriative. Even though near the end

one of the characters of color says "damn isn't this racist?" it feels almost like a South Park take on racism: do something racist then say "damn that's racist!"

But on the plus side, it's still a great read. It's incredibly maximalist, and is one of the most unique pieces of climate fiction I've ever read. Is it worth it to make a better world if it's a world you can't live in? What would you be willing to do to live the life you've always wanted? I hope Rita Indiana has some introspection, then writes another book.

Last note, I read the English translation, but I'm not sure it's the strongest. There were some moments where I could tell what the original Spanish was and it was clear the English didn't hit the mark. If you want to read this and you can read Spanish, I'd recommend getting a Spanish copy.

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litprof's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75

Brimming with ideas, characters, temporal shifts, other transitions, provocations, musical and artistic allusions, and imagery. Disappointingly little content about the ocean or Santería though, and I found the racism, homophobia, rape fantasies, and graphic violence gratuitous, while the extensive cast was difficult to follow.

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rigeloutinspace's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

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

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hfrancesh's review against another edition

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challenging dark fast-paced

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

4.25

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neugrowf's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense 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

4.5

Reality totally bends and distorts with this book! It asks us to experience multiple timelines at once with manic-dreamlike intensity. I am bruised after reading it.

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