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tlaynejones's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
This was a moving, devastating story of a queer indigenous boy trying to grow up, become the person he wants to be, and hold on to just a sliver of hope for the future.
There are so many CW, particularly around suicide, grief and homophobia; I felt the author was really able to portray that feeling of claustrophobia and desperation that comes from too much trauma and not enough hope. Having said all that I will miss these characters. They came to life in my mind and I was fully engaged with their story, feeling all the emotions.
There are so many CW, particularly around suicide, grief and homophobia; I felt the author was really able to portray that feeling of claustrophobia and desperation that comes from too much trauma and not enough hope. Having said all that I will miss these characters. They came to life in my mind and I was fully engaged with their story, feeling all the emotions.
Graphic: Drug use, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Homophobia, Bullying, Mental illness, Sexism, Colonisation, Racism, Death, and Suicide
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Abandonment, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Child death, and Violence
Minor: Incest, Addiction, Rape, Sexual harassment, Fatphobia, and Gun violence
nancymar's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Beautiful prose that brings to life very sad and real stories of Indigenous life on reserves in Canada
Graphic: Grief, Incest, Rape, Sexual content, Addiction, Colonisation, Homophobia, Drug abuse, Sexual violence, Suicide, Death, and Physical abuse
davidbythebay's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is a beautiful story dealing with several difficult topics. Chief among them is the epidemic of Indigenous suicide; as well as drug and alcohol addiction, and homophobia. It is an incredibly nuanced and delicate look at these topics with a lot of internal thoughts and searing images. I didn't know this is the rare instance of a book written after a movie is made; I can see the cinematography of the scenes here.
I am not Indigenous and can therefore not speak to the cultural aspects of this book, nor of the experiences of the characters related to their culture and lives. What I can say is I deeply appreciated the spirituality expressed in the book. I thought it aided the story in great ways.
Overall, I absolutely loved this book. Well-written and exploring, the prose sang on the page to the point I was deeply feeling the same emotions being expressed by the characters. An absolute read-this-now as this book should not be slept on.
I am not Indigenous and can therefore not speak to the cultural aspects of this book, nor of the experiences of the characters related to their culture and lives. What I can say is I deeply appreciated the spirituality expressed in the book. I thought it aided the story in great ways.
Overall, I absolutely loved this book. Well-written and exploring, the prose sang on the page to the point I was deeply feeling the same emotions being expressed by the characters. An absolute read-this-now as this book should not be slept on.
Graphic: Mental illness, Homophobia, Gun violence, Death, Grief, Addiction, Suicide, Alcoholism, Violence, Suicidal thoughts, Self harm, Rape, and Drug abuse
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