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ricksilva's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
tense
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? It's complicated
4.0
Fatou, an immigrant to London from the Ivory Coast, finds a bit of solace from her housekeeping job in using her employer's guest passes to the local swimming pool. The pool is located next to the Embassy of Cambodia, with its ongoing badminton game the only sign of activity visible over its walls.
This short story does a lot with a relatively simply plot and its two main characters. The author makes great use of small details to provide depth, and to echo the inescapable thoughts of genocide that the local residents bring to mind as they contemplate the Embassy.
This short story does a lot with a relatively simply plot and its two main characters. The author makes great use of small details to provide depth, and to echo the inescapable thoughts of genocide that the local residents bring to mind as they contemplate the Embassy.
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape and Child death
allyjshand's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-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
5.0
I’ve been meaning to read Zadie Smith’s work for a long time, particularly after reading Open Water. This short story certainly did not disappoint. I was surprised at how attached I felt to the protagonist and how moved it was by her journey. Incredible writing.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Rape, Racial slurs, Racism, and Slavery
kstericker's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape and Sexual assault
Minor: Slavery
kingorgan's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery and Racism
Moderate: Rape
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