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albaface's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
medium-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Domestic abuse and Xenophobia
czatri's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
hanhanpalmie's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This is a charming coming of age tale, set against a backdrop of 90s Australia. It isn’t my favourite Melina Marchetta (that remains Saving Francesca which I will never stop rereading), but it certainly features many of the hallmarks of her writing that I love so much.
I found the main character Josie to be selfish, impetuous, dramatic and obnoxious, but loveable despite it all in a way that I hope maybe we all were at her age. I grew up in Australia about 15 years after Josie did so, and found it remarkable how much this country, and its cultural dynamics, have shifted in that time. And I, some 30 years after the book was first written, found it remarkable how Melina Marchetta’s artistry is such that I could still relate to a teenage girl trying to find her way.
I found the main character Josie to be selfish, impetuous, dramatic and obnoxious, but loveable despite it all in a way that I hope maybe we all were at her age. I grew up in Australia about 15 years after Josie did so, and found it remarkable how much this country, and its cultural dynamics, have shifted in that time. And I, some 30 years after the book was first written, found it remarkable how Melina Marchetta’s artistry is such that I could still relate to a teenage girl trying to find her way.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide
cheyenneisreading's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
“I'll run one day. Run for my life. To be free and think for myself. Not as an Australian and not as an Italian and not as an in-between. I’ll run to be emancipated. If my society will let me.”
This novel is about as old as I am, and yet it feels timeless. I read this in high school, but loved it, and the film, prior to that. This is a coming of age story about finding your identity and developing your core beliefs and values. A classic Australian staple. I will always recommend this one.
This novel is about as old as I am, and yet it feels timeless. I read this in high school, but loved it, and the film, prior to that. This is a coming of age story about finding your identity and developing your core beliefs and values. A classic Australian staple. I will always recommend this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
rangareads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
ajes's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide
booksareprettycoolyay's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
fast-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide
rachelchloe's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Suicide attempt, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Mental illness, Racial slurs, Grief, Racism, Sexual content, and Violence
junebug_186's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide and Domestic abuse
zanmorgan's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
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
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicide