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theinkwyrm's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This took a while to build up to being interesting and then right when it got interesting it switched POVs and lost me again. Honestly, this would have been much more interesting to me if it had followed Mr. Sitwell the whole way through on his killing spree instead of getting focused on politics in the second half (I'm sorry but politics will never be as interesting to me as murder). Otherwise, this was fine but relatively unmemorable (also, I take issue with the Parasite comp).
jedore's review against another edition
dark
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
“You can’t wish this world away and you can’t shoot your way out either. You just have to find the strength to rise above it. By being excellent. That’s how you cope with this world, Jennie…quality is what endures. Excellence is what’s real.”
The Rib King offers a peek into the lives of characters tied to the wealthy Tillman family in early 20th century America. The first half of the book focuses on August Sitwell, a servant in the Tillman household, whose culinary skills catapult him to fame.
Just as you settle into August's story, there’s an abrupt shift to Jennie, another servant in the household. Having bonded with August, this was quite unsettling. Plus, not only does the author skip over the most pivotal scene in the book, she never provides closure to August’s story from his point of view.
Despite the jolt of the character transition and its general predictability, this was an enjoyable read that gave me a glimpse into an racially tense era in U.S. history through the eyes of a host of vibrant and likable characters.
Graphic: Violence, Racism, Classism, and Murder
Moderate: Death
Minor: Police brutality
bekarebeka's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
simplyselicia's review against another edition
3.0
I thought this one was super intriguing, but a little harder to pin down. I liked the characters, the setting, and how everything wove into the other over time, however, there were some pacing issues. It was fairly easy listening, and I could see the plot so clearly in my mind while doing so. It's not my typical read so I had to go back a few times, but it seemed to wrap up so quickly compared to the start.
I was okay with the slower pacing and description of the first half, but identified more with the second. Check it out if you like to think about various perspectives in history and the circumstances of those that have been a part of it whether it be fiction or not.
I was okay with the slower pacing and description of the first half, but identified more with the second. Check it out if you like to think about various perspectives in history and the circumstances of those that have been a part of it whether it be fiction or not.
laceej88's review against another edition
challenging
dark
hopeful
sad
slow-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
3.75
schuman3d's review against another edition
3.0
This book was split into two parts. Part 1 was a 4.5 star book. Part 2 was 2 stars.
ladyheroj's review against another edition
challenging
tense
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
3.5
danimat's review against another edition
4.0
Loved it. I enjoyed the talented ribkins, but this one was better.
mochimustreads's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
twopurplebookends's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
3.0