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sandreline's review against another edition
- 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
4.75
Slow moving apocalypses are the most terrifying. Through all the miniscule daily changes, you inevitably cling to the status quo, trying to fit your previous life into the realities of the present. Because it feels ridiculous to do otherwise. That becomes your normal and you accept it, but there's always a nagging feeling at the base of your skull that doesn't allow you to fully rest. Outside, the land has disappeared. The water is around your ankles.
But it's never too late to fight.
Private Rites is unnerving and bordering on absurdist. Julia Armfield is a true master of atmosphere.
While I loved this, I would be careful to reccomend it. It is more a series of musings and character studies than a straight-forward plot. It is one of those books you'll either love or hate, and I would not fault someone who is among the latter.
It's easy to focus the grief of this story, because it is heavy to the point of being suffocating. But the grief is in delicate balance with bright moments of sincere hope and love.
"I could be good with just this...If I could have this, I don’t think it would matter if things had been different or we’d had a different world or more to hope for. I could be happy here."
ARC provided by NetGalley.
Graphic: Death of parent and Grief
Moderate: Abandonment
thegouldfish's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Body horror, Death of parent, Death, Self harm, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Mental illness, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Blood, Religious bigotry, Suicide, Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, and Dementia
bisexualbookshelf'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
3.75
Graphic: Death of parent and Suicide
Moderate: Self harm, Alcohol, and Dementia
Minor: Infidelity, Sexual content, Child abuse, Drug use, and Police brutality
readingwithgoose's review against another edition
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I think I might like it better upon reread, tbh. Overall, I would still recommend this book to fans of her other works.
Graphic: Death, Injury/Injury detail, Child abuse, Death of parent, Abandonment, Sexual content, Suicide, and Blood
Minor: Homophobia and Sexual harassment
jamieleepilk's review
- 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
5.0
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Nobody writes like Julia Armfield. Nobody. Her way of writing is so beautiful that it sticks with you and leaves you breathless. She has this way of creating characters that you instantly connect with and this you know personally. The way she writes about queer relationships is phenomenal. While reading this you consistently get that really sinister feeling that something is going to happen, it fills you with dread as you start to piece things together! I adored how she writes about the sisters relationship and I think any one with siblings can identify with regardless of circumstance.
I thoroughly loved this book, as I knew I would! Julia is an insanely talented writer.
Graphic: Alcohol, Death of parent, and Grief
Moderate: Stalking
Minor: Suicide