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lindseyhall44's review
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I picked Romance in Marseille up on a whim, and I am extremely grateful that I did. This novel was so intriguing, both in its flowery writing and dark content. As a classic, it was evidently ahead of it’s time, as it follows black, queer and physically disabled characters during the historical era of ensalvement, while candidly discussing sexuality and prostitution, and other taboo topics of the time. I loved seeing this representation in classic literature, and urge everyone to pick up Romance in Marseille.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Torture, Racism, Violence, Trafficking, Slavery, Murder, and Death
lukebryan's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
It's only 130 pages long, but it feels like a whirlpool that sucks the reader into its depiction of Marseille and spits them out missing it. The characters feel full to the brim with life, the prose rockets along and is full of funny insight, and the plot is always surprising and captivating. Why did this take 87 years to be published?
However, the novel does have some asterisks next to it. Most prominent is the anti-semitism that is engaged with once or twice, which is just gratuitous. The other thing is the treatment of Lafala's disability, which is treated as an extension of his relation to Marseille society. Those are just two things to keep in mind - I would call this a must-read if those things are not turn-offs.
However, the novel does have some asterisks next to it. Most prominent is the anti-semitism that is engaged with once or twice, which is just gratuitous. The other thing is the treatment of Lafala's disability, which is treated as an extension of his relation to Marseille society. Those are just two things to keep in mind - I would call this a must-read if those things are not turn-offs.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Racial slurs, and Antisemitism
Moderate: Racism, Death, and Murder
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