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averytiredfox's review
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
One of the most well written, poignant books I've ever read, do not read it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Racism, Sexual violence, Colonisation, Animal cruelty, Sexual assault, Infidelity, Violence, Sexism, Animal death, Rape, Sexual content, Grief, and Emotional abuse
Sexual violence is at the forefront of this book. It may not be gratuitous (depending on opinion) but it is a major theme throughout.librarymouse's review
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
5.0
I have so many feelings and questions about this book. It's so beautifully written. I caught some of the extra detail in the book, but I know there are hundreds of details and references sewn into the book that I've missed on this first read through. One instance that was particularly impactful was the mention of verbena and jonquil on page 177 and pine on page 178, after his visit with the Isaacs. Their respective meanings of prayer or a request to pray for an individual; forgiveness or a desire that affection be returned; and endurance, piety, and hope in adversity add so much to the characterization of David, yet the description of flowers scenting the air fits so neatly into the scene setting that they could comfortably be ignored. David Lurie is intensely easy to dislike, yet there are instances in which he is not quite redeemed, but is humanized and brought out of his self-reflective/self centered stupor. He has a main character complex to the point of near delusion. Despite his continual fall towards lust, he does seem to learn something, though I'm not sure what. He learns loss and grief, learns that he is incapable of compromise in many ways but is capable of letting go of what he cannot control. Coetzee does a fantastic job with these characters and their individual and collective shames.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual content, Animal death, Body shaming, Sexual assault, Stalking, Grief, Medical content, Misogyny, Pregnancy, Sexual harassment, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual violence, Rape, and Confinement
Moderate: Colonisation
Minor: Abortion and Lesbophobia
evaaaaah's review
dark
sad
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? It's complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual content, Hate crime, Sexism, and Rape
Moderate: Animal death, Grief, Toxic relationship, Misogyny, and Racism
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