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dark
emotional
reflective
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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Self harm, Suicide
dark
funny
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Drug use, Suicide, Suicide attempt
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Self harm, Suicide
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Suicide, Suicide attempt
emotional
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide, Suicide attempt
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Self harm, Suicide, Transphobia, Blood, Suicide attempt
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Suicide, Suicide attempt
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I'm really conflicted about this book.
First of all, it just wasn't what I expected. I thought this would be an in-depth exploration of a single relationship, but it dealt in fact with an ensemble of characters, all connected, some of them getting their own POVs. Some of the POVs were really good (Eleonor - although it almost felt like an entirely different book with its own writing style), some of them were fine (Zoe and Andres), and some felt like an unnecessary short story (Santiago). And some were criminally undertreated (justice for Quentin!)
Because of this divide, some themes weren't explored with the proper sensitivity and depth, as I felt that they deserved and that the author was capable of (i.e. transgender, obesity and sexual addiction).
Ultimately, the book was at its strongest when dealing with the titular characters.
Also the plot seemed a bit self-indulgent and immature at times, like they were just gliding from fancy dinners to parties to drugs in hotel rooms. I realize it's a reflection of the character's nature and mental state, but it almost got tedious reading about the woes of rich beautiful people in lavish New York settings.
However I will say, for the most part the writing was beautiful throughout. There were some touching quotes and insightful remarks on human nature and interaction. But there were also points made that seemed tacky, juvenile or repetative.
First of all, it just wasn't what I expected. I thought this would be an in-depth exploration of a single relationship, but it dealt in fact with an ensemble of characters, all connected, some of them getting their own POVs. Some of the POVs were really good (Eleonor - although it almost felt like an entirely different book with its own writing style), some of them were fine (Zoe and Andres), and some felt like an unnecessary short story (Santiago). And some were criminally undertreated (justice for Quentin!)
Because of this divide, some themes weren't explored with the proper sensitivity and depth, as I felt that they deserved and that the author was capable of (i.e. transgender, obesity and sexual addiction).
Ultimately, the book was at its strongest when dealing with the titular characters.
Also the plot seemed a bit self-indulgent and immature at times, like they were just gliding from fancy dinners to parties to drugs in hotel rooms. I realize it's a reflection of the character's nature and mental state, but it almost got tedious reading about the woes of rich beautiful people in lavish New York settings.
However I will say, for the most part the writing was beautiful throughout. There were some touching quotes and insightful remarks on human nature and interaction. But there were also points made that seemed tacky, juvenile or repetative.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Self harm, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Toxic friendship
Moderate: Animal death
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt
emotional
reflective
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:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug use, Mental illness, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Blood, Suicide attempt