Scan barcode
wright_rendon_reads's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The best way I can describe this book is it has "Big Fish" (the movie) vibes.
Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
All the main characters were pretty easy to like and all went through major changes, challenges, and development. Even side characters were fully fleshed out and had some of their own independent story.
World Building: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book is Magical Realism so it's set in our world but with a little touch of magic. I wish there was a little explanation on how this family became enchanted but other than that it felt well researched and anchored in our world.
Plot and Pacing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I read this book in like 3 sittings. It was a really easy read. I don't usually like fiction books that kind of just talk about daily or realistic life. But I was so invested in the characters and the writing flowed so well.
Themes: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The theme of this book centers around love in all its forms (good and bad) from infatuation, obsession, lust, passion, motherly, sibling, friends, young love, loss. The list goes on. I also felt this book hit on generational trauma before it was cool as there is some obvious handing down and dealing with trauma.
Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
All the main characters were pretty easy to like and all went through major changes, challenges, and development. Even side characters were fully fleshed out and had some of their own independent story.
World Building: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book is Magical Realism so it's set in our world but with a little touch of magic. I wish there was a little explanation on how this family became enchanted but other than that it felt well researched and anchored in our world.
Plot and Pacing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I read this book in like 3 sittings. It was a really easy read. I don't usually like fiction books that kind of just talk about daily or realistic life. But I was so invested in the characters and the writing flowed so well.
Themes: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The theme of this book centers around love in all its forms (good and bad) from infatuation, obsession, lust, passion, motherly, sibling, friends, young love, loss. The list goes on. I also felt this book hit on generational trauma before it was cool as there is some obvious handing down and dealing with trauma.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Murder, Body horror, Gore, Death, and Rape
erinfitzharris's review
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, Animal cruelty, Death, and Injury/Injury detail
amberrose's review
5.0
I have never read anything like this book before. And because of that, I wouldn't recommend it to just anyone.
This is a beautifully descriptive character portrait. Set in 1959, Ava narrates the story of her grandmother, mother, and the other, varied characters of her small Seattle suburb. The lyrical writing sets the perfect tone for Walton's world, which is both (as the title suggests) strange and beautiful.
One thing I appreciated the most about this book was the fact that it doesn't shy away from the violent and grotesque. Walton's style doesn't waver whether she's describing a peaceful, rustic scene or someone's horrifying wound and that's part of what makes this story so haunting.
Part ghost story, part coming-of-age journey, part religious commentary this book will tug at every heartstring in every way imaginable. I laughed, cried, and generally screamed in my car while listening to the audiobook. I also may or may not have cursed out a certain character for a solid fifteen minutes of my commute.
This is a beautifully descriptive character portrait. Set in 1959, Ava narrates the story of her grandmother, mother, and the other, varied characters of her small Seattle suburb. The lyrical writing sets the perfect tone for Walton's world, which is both (as the title suggests) strange and beautiful.
One thing I appreciated the most about this book was the fact that it doesn't shy away from the violent and grotesque. Walton's style doesn't waver whether she's describing a peaceful, rustic scene or someone's horrifying wound and that's part of what makes this story so haunting.
Part ghost story, part coming-of-age journey, part religious commentary this book will tug at every heartstring in every way imaginable. I laughed, cried, and generally screamed in my car while listening to the audiobook. I also may or may not have cursed out a certain character for a solid fifteen minutes of my commute.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, and Rape
ivan_levitt's review
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Body horror, Death, and Gore
uglycrow's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, Sexual assault, Rape, Blood, and Body horror
More...