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vistacanas's review
dark
informative
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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
“You can’t wish this world away and you can’t shoot your way out either. You just have to find the strength to rise above it. By being excellent. That’s how you cope with this world, Jennie…quality is what endures. Excellence is what’s real.”
The Rib King offers a peek into the lives of characters tied to the wealthy Tillman family in early 20th century America. The first half of the book focuses on August Sitwell, a servant in the Tillman household, whose culinary skills catapult him to fame.
Just as you settle into August's story, there’s an abrupt shift to Jennie, another servant in the household. Having bonded with August, this was quite unsettling. Plus, not only does the author skip over the most pivotal scene in the book, she never provides closure to August’s story from his point of view.
Despite the jolt of the character transition and its general predictability, this was an enjoyable read that gave me a glimpse into an racially tense era in U.S. history through the eyes of a host of vibrant and likable characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Racism, Classism, and Murder
Moderate: Death
Minor: Police brutality
leah_alexandra's review
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was an interesting book with a lot of ideas. I think there was just a bit too much packed in to follow completely--characters, story lines, etc. I found the second half of the book much more engaging, and wish the balance was tilted a bit more towards that part of the story. I was pretty disappointed by the ending, which, for a book with so much going on, felt rushed and a bit too tidy. Overall, I think this book sacrifices some needed depth for breadth, but it was good enough to get me through.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Hate crime, Murder, Police brutality, Racial slurs, Racism, and Violence
Minor: Adult/minor relationship and Pregnancy
deefenestrate's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A quick, delightful read. The first section was a slow build, and the second felt a lot faster paced. The characters were fun to get to know, though some of the secondary ones felt a tad hollow. I plan on revisiting this one again!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Murder, Racial slurs, and Violence
Moderate: Mental illness, Police brutality, and Sexism
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