Reviews with content warning for Adult/minor relationship - Паперовий палац

I'm not giving this book a 5 star review because I think it's a masterpiece (after all I'm not a literary critic), but because I devoured it in 3 days.
I loved how the flaws of the characters in this book are a main focus, but related in a nonchalant way, as if even the most horrible acts in this world are just things that happen. Even the most gut wrenching scenes are told in a very casual tone and I think this only brings you closer to Elle, to the way she feels and approaches life; your disgust and repulsion to the things related are the equivalent to the characters' unhealed trauma, their shame, their anger, their sadness. Loved the rawness of it all.
I loved the vivid descriptions, even the faintest sensations transporting me to the Back Woods. I loved the way nature was such an integral part of the main character, reminded me of Where the Crawdads Sing.
The plot, the choices needed to be made kept me so hooked. I was as conflicted as Elle, not knowing what to do, seeing every possibility, knowing how wrong, how right they were. The flashbacks felt a bit out of place at first, when all I wanted was to hear about present day events, but in hindsight, as a reader you really need them. Through the flashbacks you get to know the characters, their worries, their relationships, why the people around them are so important (or not), their sense of humor, their personalities, just like you get to know a friend.
Really a refreshing book, like a swim in cold water on a hot summer day. Worth a read, even if it's just to form your own opinion on it. I would love a debate around how good or bad this book is, because, as the story emphases, there is no right answer. Or wrong one.

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lhodgson26's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional mysterious medium-paced

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? It's complicated

4.0

This book went on tangents you would never have guessed and it contains a variety of trigger warnings throughout. I did enjoy it as it just kept throwing massive twists in and I liked the complex character Elle and the majority of the characters were. She was not perfect and neither were any of them, however it explored the good vs bad vibe. The deep but impossible love shared between Jonas and Elle was beautiful and the horrific sexual abuse both she and her own mother experienced was truly shocking. I liked the ending how it was quite fitting and the book did transport me completely away and was a very interesting read.

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camillebergeron's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

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rachelfek's review against another edition

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emotional reflective tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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omfgeleanor's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful sad tense medium-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? It's complicated

4.25

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betsygrace's review against another edition

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dark sad medium-paced

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? Yes

2.75

This book is okay, but it’s just not for me. Some of the main plot points were very triggering. I enjoy the slow burn and angsty vibe of the star crossed lovers, but the side plot and secrets they share are honestly just not for me. I would absolutely not recommend this for anyone who has experienced any kind of sexual trauma because it definitely is a focal point among some characters in the book and I found it triggering to read. Overall, however, this book wasn’t bad, it’s just not a good fit for me specifically as a reader.

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lani's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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