Reviews tagging 'Death'

River East, River West by Aube Rey Lescure

4 reviews

jo_d's review against another edition

dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The characters are so real, so human. A young teenage girl acts like a young teenage girl and it is heartbreaking and beautiful. 
I liked it. It's not a story on morality, or how to act properly, it's a story of three interesting people tied into a dysfunctional family. They're all liars and hurting and imperfect and don't often say the right thing and it's honest

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Classism, Child death, Alcohol, Sexual violence, Suicide attempt, Self harm, War, Suicide, Alcoholism, Sexual assault, Rape, Racism, Racial slurs, Pedophilia, Mental illness, Grief, and Death

Minor: Abortion

amy_park's review against another edition

hopeful reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.0

Read this via audio and I enjoyed it. A dual perspective novel of a coming of age, teenage American Chinese girl and her Chinese stepdad living in Shanghai. Many themes were explored in this book, I.e identity, hope, West vs East culture, "American dream", ambition vs reality etc. An interesting look on immigration and culture. 
Some may argue this book explores too many themes, which I agree slightly. I think this book packs alot in, with many areas brushed upon and not explored as much as I would like.
I enjoyed the Alva sections more but did like to hear the backstory of Lu Fang, but towards the end his sections were rushed alot, as I think the author wanted to include alot of the history in China in these sections, but didn't pay off due to length
This book has alot of content warnings, so would suggest a review if dark themes trigger.  Overall would recommend (especially audio).

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Suicide and Alcoholism

Moderate: Sexual assault, Racism, Self harm, Drug use, and Death

bonkyboot's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional funny informative lighthearted mysterious reflective sad tense 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

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcoholism, Suicide, Rape, Death, and Self harm

kaddictwithapen's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-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

4.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Rape, Sexual content, Infidelity, Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, Suicide, and Alcoholism

Moderate: Death, Abandonment, Colonisation, and Cultural appropriation

Minor: Toxic friendship, Racism, Self harm, Racial slurs, Pregnancy, War, and Violence