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allisonmeyette's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Blood, Animal cruelty, Violence, Bullying, Animal death, and Child abuse
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Domestic abuse, Alcoholism, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Misogyny, Murder, and Physical abuse
Minor: Cancer, War, Classism, and Vomit
greenwillow77's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
There is plenty to unpack in this book- class, education, gender roles, family, teenage anxiety, the power structures of abuse- & it crams in to a story told in under 150 pages. I wouldn’t say that I enjoyed this book, but it did compel me to finish & it will stay with me for a while yet.
Graphic: Blood, Physical abuse, Animal death, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, and Classism
readersreadingnook's review against another edition
3.0
Graphic: Blood, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Cursing, Emotional abuse, and Adult/minor relationship
caleykapowski's review against another edition
1.0
Graphic: Physical abuse, Domestic abuse, and Child abuse
babblingbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Physical abuse, Child abuse, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Vomit and Rape
hirachelhigh's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Moderate: Physical abuse
sleaterkenneth's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Physical abuse, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Torture and Animal death
odrib's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Physical abuse, and Torture
Moderate: Sexism, Misogyny, and Animal death
Minor: Racism and Body shaming
brucethegirl's review against another edition
What I think I loved most about this book, as an Anthropology student, was the way even the professor ignored the blatant evidence in favor of "roughing it" with a fellow ancient briton enthusiast. While a number of times, he explains to the father that "well no, they wouldn't have eaten with their hands, that just doesn't make sense." He also is more than happy to let her father dictate what the camp does and focus solely on hunting and discussing fighting.
Then there are the more obvious- the theme of abuse and sexism. How Sylvie's father believes if he goes far enough back in British history, he'll reach a time of purity. He is a cruel, hateful, small man. The way the book handles the theme of abuse of power is so well done. I get angry just thinking about it. But I also remember how powerless I felt while reading. Moss really captures that helpless, overwhelming fear so well. She is able to light that fire so subtle that you don't notice until it's burned as bright as a forest fire in your soul. You hate this little man and how he uses his strength not to protect what he cares about- but to make sure they remember he is strong. He feels weak in other areas of his life and needs the people in his life to remind him he's strong. He is what evil incarnate means. Not just for his closed minded beliefs, but because he takes joy in the pain and suffering of his child and his wife. He is glad when Sylvie can't sit down because of the wounds he inflicted on her. He is happy when his family is hungry. He literally makes me so angry.
Which brings me to my only issue with this book- the end. It just cuts off. There's no resolution- and I know its because this is the early 90s and at the end of the day, its very likely no justice would have been served. A time when abuse "within reason" was still allowed from both parents and schools. Even if the nature of the crime, and photo evidence, were well beyond reasonable, especially as there was no "just cause" for the abuse. I like to believe he served jail time, but that also leaves the question of where Sylvie will go. Where will she stay? Very likely her mother won't allow her home. Too warped by the father. I hope she stays with Molly, and is able to see the world.
Graphic: Violence, Physical abuse, Misogyny, Gaslighting, Animal death, Child abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Emotional abuse, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Racism, Sexism, and Xenophobia
blacksphinx's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.5
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, and Child abuse
Moderate: Sexism, Xenophobia, and Racism