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thewordsdevourer's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
a satisfyingly effective and surprisingly impactful book that says a lot w/ little, she of the mountains is another proof of vivek shraya's awesomeness.
this short novel contains two concurrent stories: one abt hindu gods and another abt a contemporary exploration of identity and self-love. shraya manages to make the former not merely compelling but very accessible, which is a rare feat. the latter, meanwhile, is jam-packed w/ the author's signature themes of race, queerness and their intersectionality in identity.
the book's able to somehow say so much and explore many complex issues in so little words. better yet, it's all done w/ equal parts detachment and emotional connection that are nevertheless impactful; certain parts esp towards the end rly move me, w/ one in particular making me simply pause and marvel on what i just read.
in short, this is a short book that packs a punch and lingers on one's mind quite a while after reading.
this short novel contains two concurrent stories: one abt hindu gods and another abt a contemporary exploration of identity and self-love. shraya manages to make the former not merely compelling but very accessible, which is a rare feat. the latter, meanwhile, is jam-packed w/ the author's signature themes of race, queerness and their intersectionality in identity.
the book's able to somehow say so much and explore many complex issues in so little words. better yet, it's all done w/ equal parts detachment and emotional connection that are nevertheless impactful; certain parts esp towards the end rly move me, w/ one in particular making me simply pause and marvel on what i just read.
in short, this is a short book that packs a punch and lingers on one's mind quite a while after reading.
Graphic: Racism and Homophobia
Moderate: Mental illness, Violence, and Sexual content
Minor: Child death
cfell's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Biphobia and Homophobia
Moderate: Body shaming, Racism, and Fatphobia
Minor: Mental illness, Violence, and Body horror
perusing_panels's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Bullying and Homophobia
Moderate: Violence, Death, and Blood
Minor: Body shaming
readingwithkt's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A wonderful collection of short stories by an author who is quickly becoming a favourite of mine. The collection consists of four stories, where we meet four different characters.
In Paravati's story, we reckon with sexuality, identity, and how that's tied to our external visuals. Topics such as bullying, harassment, white supremacy, and (internalised) homophobia are covered. I felt this one spoke closely to some of the content in I'm Afraid of Men and even this page is white, but in a powerful fictional account.
When we meet Sati, we're introduced to concepts of class and sexuality is discussed further.
Kali teaches us about self love and the impact of trauma.
And finally, Ganesha. This tale is about relationships and the small intimacies that create them. It's about relationship breakdowns and creating/finding home.
A very beautiful collection. As soon as I finished reading it (on audiobook) I wanted to click to start reading again.
In Paravati's story, we reckon with sexuality, identity, and how that's tied to our external visuals. Topics such as bullying, harassment, white supremacy, and (internalised) homophobia are covered. I felt this one spoke closely to some of the content in I'm Afraid of Men and even this page is white, but in a powerful fictional account.
When we meet Sati, we're introduced to concepts of class and sexuality is discussed further.
Kali teaches us about self love and the impact of trauma.
And finally, Ganesha. This tale is about relationships and the small intimacies that create them. It's about relationship breakdowns and creating/finding home.
A very beautiful collection. As soon as I finished reading it (on audiobook) I wanted to click to start reading again.
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Homophobia, and Bullying
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