Scan barcode
crookedmidnight's review against another edition
4.75
Very detailed and well-written story with intense themes. The family tree was helpful but I almost needed a whole character list since it’s hard to keep track of everyone. The dissertation research was an interesting way to pull everything together though I wish we got to know a bit more about the founding of the school or Ailey telling Root what she found out from the daguerreotypes
siobhanward's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
NYT Notable Books 2021: 12/100
When I picked this up and saw it was over 800 pages, I wasn't sure what to think. I still think that it could have been shorter (I understand why the background story was woven in to the start of each section, but it really wasn't my favourite), but overall this was a mostly solid read. There are definitely some heavy topics covered in it, but it was done in a way that didn't seem overwhelming. Ailey was a great character and I loved being part of her journey.
When I picked this up and saw it was over 800 pages, I wasn't sure what to think. I still think that it could have been shorter (I understand why the background story was woven in to the start of each section, but it really wasn't my favourite), but overall this was a mostly solid read. There are definitely some heavy topics covered in it, but it was done in a way that didn't seem overwhelming. Ailey was a great character and I loved being part of her journey.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Drug abuse, Drug use, Sexual content, and Death of parent
mecclest's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
meghnasa's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
sib_reads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
veerveer's review
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
urbanall's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
oscard99's review against another edition
5.0
Yes, this book was the definition of a baggy monster, but like Demon Copperhead, its sheer ambition made it something truly epic. I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time.
Tempted to bet money that I won’t encounter a character as despicable as Samuel Pinchard before the end of the year.
Tempted to bet money that I won’t encounter a character as despicable as Samuel Pinchard before the end of the year.
maurajoyce's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0