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sighclopss's review against another edition
- 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
4.75
This was such an interesting read with compelling characters, my main let down was the ending wasn't enough for me. I could have easily read another 200+ pages! I still have so many unanswered questions! But I understand with this type of philosophical story there can't ever really be a satisfying ending.
I found the topic of colorism/racism and being biracial intriguing. Cultural identity vs ethnic. The theme of 'passing.' It had many confronting themes, some I related too, others that helped further expand my world view.
This was overall a complicated story, I felt like the author did the complexity justice. The writing style flowed easily, and I loved every second of reading it.
Graphic: Dementia, Domestic abuse, Death of parent, Classism, Hate crime, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, and Racism
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Colonisation, Slavery, Medical content, Terminal illness, Chronic illness, and Deadnaming
hannahjacobsen's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I think what ultimately left me disappointed with this book is that although it hit on so many different important topics, including racism & colorism, domestic violence, LGBTQ+, classism, Alzheimer’s and more, I felt like it barely scratched the surface of these topics and that there were so many undeveloped characters and plot lines. I expected the book to dive deeper into Desiree’s relationship with her abusive ex husband, Reese’s life as a trans man, what ended up happening with the Walker family across the street and whether Loretta ever found out Stella’s truth (I could go on and on)… but every time I thought the book was going to dive deeper into these storylines, it transitioned to a new one.
Ultimately, I got to the end and felt like there was no closure. Stella seemingly got away with a lifetime of lies with no consequences, and we never find out where her life ends up. I suppose that’s the allure of these books to some people, but I got to the end and felt like the 350+ pages didn’t give me near enough.
I’m giving three stars for a diverse cast of characters, a unique premise and a combination of some really powerful topics.
Moderate: Death, Classism, Domestic abuse, Racial slurs, and Racism
nanaakuaanim's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Moderate: Racial slurs and Racism
justcallmeemily's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Racism, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Dementia, Sexual assault, and Death of parent
Minor: Transphobia
dreamer626's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
adisiki's review against another edition
4.5
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Racism
ynaiita_5896's review against another edition
- 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
Bennett beautifully paints a historical fiction that intelligently navigates race, identity, colourism, culture and sexuality with careful nuance — highlighting the varied layers in each of these themes through the eyes of something as ordinary as identical twins. A story written so intricately with elements of thrill, suspense and emotional intensity, that you just can't stop reading.
Graphic: Racism and Racial slurs
Moderate: Hate crime, Transphobia, and Domestic abuse
gertrudski's review against another edition
- 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
4.75
Graphic: Racism
alicarty's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
4.5
Moderate: Physical abuse, Racism, Hate crime, and Racial slurs
ienbdri's review
- 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? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Dementia, Sexual assault, Death, Racism, Grief, Death of parent, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Murder, and Racial slurs