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mahtzahgay's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Scott Heim's Mysterious Skin is a deeply confrontational work following the intersecting lives of Brian Lackey and Neil McCormick and the fallout of a deeply traumatic childhood incident they share. The novel doesn't shy away from details or from the raw nature of their experiences and feelings. I lowered my star rating from 4 to 3.5 because I would have liked the ending to have been more cathartic for these two characters. As it is, the ending drops off without the conflict and issues having been resolved fully.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Pedophilia, Sexual content, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Violence, Sexual violence, and Homophobia
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