Reviews with content warning for Murder - Aristotle e Dante si immergono nelle acque del mondo

almost DNF'd, really glad i didn't

this sequel was kinda unnecessary in my opinion but it was beautiful. ari has one of the most beautiful character arcs i've ever read. the first one is still miles better but i still thoroughly enjoyed this!

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novelty_reads's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective relaxing sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

ARC kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

When I first read Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe it took me a while to love it. I actually put it aside after 100 or so pages and read it again a few months later. I'm glad I gave that book a second chance because I loved the story, the philosophical discussions and the raw, tender love between Ari and Dante. When it came to book two, I expected all the elements of the first book but only continued and heightened in Aristotle and Dante Dive Into the Waters of the World.

Now reviewing this book, I must admit I'm a little on the fence. When I finished reading, I was satisfied with the book as it really elevated Ari's character and touched a lot on elements of growing up and going from boyhood to manhood. It also discussed grief, death and love especially familial love as shown with Ari's parents and Dante's family. The book touched on these themes very well and I enjoyed reading about them.

While I loved the glimpses into Ari's character and the aforementioned, I felt like the book was lacking the depth of raw connection between Ari and Dante we've seen in the previous novel. I wanted more of the love between the two boys because it was what made Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe such a beautiful read. I felt like there was limited page time given to the two discovering more about each other and strengthening their relationship. It's the one thing I would've loved more of.

I also enjoyed reading about the platonic relationships Ari developed in the novel. It was another one of my highlights and I liked getting to know our new characters. They added another layer to the novel and I don't think I would've enjoyed the book as much if they weren't there.

All in all, I enjoyed this story. There were many good things and a few things that I wish were strengthened more. I liked the characterisation and platonic and familial relationships portrayed in this book and liked how the author portrayed significant topics such as homophobia and AIDS in the 80's when the book is set. I just wish there was more connection shown between Dante and Ari because unlike book one, I wasn't entirely sold on their relationship. I also felt like the ending was slightly rushed and a bit unnecessary. That being said, overall, I liked this book and wouldn't mind a book three.

ACTUAL RATING: 3.45 STARS

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bg_oseman_fan's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring fast-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

5.0

It’s rare that a sequel can measure up to the original, but this one does. The continuation of Ari and Dante’s story flows so beautifully from where the first book ended. You really feel for these characters as they navigate the transition between child and adult. I especially liked how they showcased the difficulty of confronting injustice and how joy and love and acceptance have to be fought for. a fantastic story that needed to be told and was told so well.

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del_moon's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional funny hopeful reflective sad 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? It's complicated

1.0

This book was okay, nothing more. There were some parts that were flat out sexist. There was the transphobic brother. I don’t know why that storyline was added other than to make Ari look like a saint. I hate how it was mostly just Ari, hardly any Dante. Ari was made to be too perfect. There were a couple moments I liked. Like the last thirty pages. I loved the first book a lot and this really disappointed me.

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thebookpaiges's review against another edition

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emotional sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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luly_sc's review against another edition

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hopeful reflective relaxing sad medium-paced

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

4.0

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tsnhjhn's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

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

4.75

Wonderfully written prose: poetic and lyrical and philosophical.

During the height of the AIDS crisis, two young gay men are forced to grapple with homophobia, grief, loss, and the emotions that come with growing up.

I love love love Ari and Dante and although I wouldn't say the dialogue is realistic by any means, the dialogue stands out because it's not realistic (aka it's not primarily shallow with some deep conversations). I like to think of this book as one where all of the characters share every single honest and raw thought with each other and have intense conversations about life with a lighthearted air. And I loved and appreciated that. Of course, no one will speak like they do IRL, but in Ari and Dante's world, they do. All of the characters are so loveable because of this--how could you not love someone who bares their whole heart out to you?

My only slight criticism is that the ending

where Dante just leaves angrily and Ari then goes to Paris

was just a little too fast-paced and frankly slightly sloppy for me; it definitely could have been better done, but maybe it was just showing their young age and although they may seem incredibly mature throughout the book, they're still young and just heading off to college. This was not a make-or-break deal for me though, the last scene was indeed quite sweet.

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