Scan barcode
thursdd4y's review against another edition
- 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
4.25
Graphic: Abandonment, Body horror, Child abuse, Death, Deportation, Domestic abuse, Child death, Classism, Sexism, Animal cruelty, Excrement, Police brutality, Vomit, Grief, Incest, Cursing, Sexual assault, Abortion, Alcohol, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Genocide, Rape, Sexual violence, Slavery, Stalking, Body shaming, Death of parent, Kidnapping, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Sexual harassment, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, War, Pregnancy, Confinement, Suicide, Colonisation, Gore, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Sexual content, Infidelity, Misogyny, Murder, Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Blood, Torture, and Violence
imaginefishes's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Overall, this is a story about myth and legend set in a real-life historical timeline, where the Indonesian experience of war, decolonialisation, and post-independence is reflected through a variety of characters symbolising these differing themes. My (brief) learning of Indonesian history in school definitely aided in my following of the timeline, and I would recommend readers familiarise themselves with these topics prior to taking on this book. Besides showcasing the overall population-wide experience, the book also depicts the micro-perspective of Dewi Ayu and the tragic fate of her family, which when combined with the humorous choice of phrases used in the book, somehow allows me as the reader not to feel sympathy for them, but rather, view their demise as consequences of their own actions.
Truly, no character in this story is innocent. Crime, immorality, and violence are the bread and butter of the plot, and there are more than necessary descriptions of fecal matter and death. Though, I did not find these descriptions to be overtly vulgar as this diction fits into the overall tone of the book.
I had no clue what this book would be about when I first read it, but I do not regret picking it up.
Graphic: Murder, Sexual assault, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Pregnancy, Sexual violence, Adult/minor relationship, Incest, Sexual content, Gun violence, Misogyny, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Blood, Child death, Death, Genocide, Gore, Rape, Sexism, and Violence
Moderate: Torture, War, Alcohol, Colonisation, Death of parent, Excrement, Abandonment, Alcoholism, Toxic friendship, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Grief and Bullying