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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
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
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
art_anthology's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The whole book i was feeling hmmm...theres something missing.
I cant really describe it but it felt like a really long opening that did not build up for the conclusion. The final portion was definitely the best (the last few pages... ehh...) I felt like Alva's development was rounded off. She felt the very archytype of a buildingsroman but sadly Lu Fung felt like background support which yes was needed, but only since Alva's POV was weak.
There doesn't seem much development in Lu Fungs perspective after becoming step father to Alva and the past Lu fung seems like a different person, where the changes i feel cant be attributed to time and circumstance. But I think more intresting points could be disscussed especially considering the length of the book.
Such as the fetishism surrounding Asian bodies specifically, a good and relastic portrayal of sloaneSally was crafted.
Additionally the Hentai Lord stuff really caught me off guard. But it was used well as a tool for digital exploration and curiosity within Alva's character. I think subjects around the saftey of children in the domestic was well considered. But child saftey as soon as it left the home felt like the tone was dangerously neutral.
But this fell short at the meeting between Alva and Daniel, its not at all nessesary. Having a one on one chat or negotiation with a pedophile while you are the victim of their actions is not in anyway "clearing debts". Like to even suggest that this meeting occurs is absolutely crazy to me especially unaccompanied and while Alva is experiencing flash backs.
I cant really describe it but it felt like a really long opening that did not build up for the conclusion. The final portion was definitely the best (the last few pages... ehh...) I felt like Alva's development was rounded off. She felt the very archytype of a buildingsroman but sadly Lu Fung felt like background support which yes was needed, but only since Alva's POV was weak.
There doesn't seem much development in Lu Fungs perspective after becoming step father to Alva and the past Lu fung seems like a different person, where the changes i feel cant be attributed to time and circumstance. But I think more intresting points could be disscussed especially considering the length of the book.
Such as the fetishism surrounding Asian bodies specifically, a good and relastic portrayal of sloane
Additionally the Hentai Lord stuff really caught me off guard. But it was used well as a tool for digital exploration and curiosity within Alva's character. I think subjects around the saftey of children in the domestic was well considered. But child saftey as soon as it left the home felt like the tone was dangerously neutral.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Infidelity, and Pedophilia
Moderate: Suicide and Abortion
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