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jusuwa's review against another edition
4.0
This book had enough plot and twists for 5 novels and Durlacher managed to tackle very controversial topics in a sensitive and interesting way. Zelda is a very flawed but relatable narrator. I couldn't put this down and I will seek out more of Durlacher's writing.
readacorn's review against another edition
3.0
Kurzmeinung / Hörerlebnis
Gehört für einen Lesekreis.
Mir wäre lieber gewesen, wenn die Erzählung linear gewesen wäre. Auch waren mir manche Schilderungen bereits zu Beginn überdramatisch erzählt, als ob damit Spannung aufgebaut werden sollte.
Dennoch eine gute Geschichte mit einer wichtigen Thematik.
3 Sterne von mir.
Gehört für einen Lesekreis.
Mir wäre lieber gewesen, wenn die Erzählung linear gewesen wäre. Auch waren mir manche Schilderungen bereits zu Beginn überdramatisch erzählt, als ob damit Spannung aufgebaut werden sollte.
Dennoch eine gute Geschichte mit einer wichtigen Thematik.
3 Sterne von mir.
evaboucles's review
3.0
Goed geschreven, maar houd niet van dat vage soort van spannend tot het einde moeten lezen plot. Had ook totaal geen sympathie voor de volwassenen die in het boek voorkwamen.
willemijnschilten's review
challenging
medium-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
2.5
denisedup's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-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
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, and Islamophobia
Minor: Rape
jeremias's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
procrasreader's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
tense
medium-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
3.25
marilyn1904's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
andrewspink's review
3.0
I had a bit of a double feeling about this book. On the one hand, the 'Moslem threat' is very unnuanced and stereotyped. There is one Moslem who is presented as being a normal person, by the end there is even doubt cast on him. One the other hand, this is presented by a 'unreliable narrator', in the form of the main character, so we have to see that as unreliable as well.
A very strange aspect is that the writer seems unaware of the US constitution; you cannot be president if you aren't born an American.
I see that some reviewers didn't like Durlacher's flowery language. I didn't have a problem with the way it was written. I had to look up a couple of words, but as a second language speaker, that is not so unusual.
I'm not sure if it was the author's intention, but one of the most interesting aspects was seeing how Philip radicalised, and how that was related to the mental problems arising from traumatic experiences in his childhood. Going into the army was presented as a solution to his problems, but the unspoken question is undoubtedly, 'for how long?'
A very strange aspect is that the writer seems unaware of the US constitution; you cannot be president if you aren't born an American.
I see that some reviewers didn't like Durlacher's flowery language. I didn't have a problem with the way it was written. I had to look up a couple of words, but as a second language speaker, that is not so unusual.
I'm not sure if it was the author's intention, but one of the most interesting aspects was seeing how Philip radicalised, and how that was related to the mental problems arising from traumatic experiences in his childhood. Going into the army was presented as a solution to his problems, but the unspoken question is undoubtedly, 'for how long?'
vanitas's review
medium-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
2.5