Reviews

Insurrecto by Gina Apostol

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readivine's review against another edition

4.0

I reread this book three times before I finally finished it. Insurrecto won't be up for every reader's range especially that it's chock full of film references, historical anachronisms, creative literary plays, and its unconventional nonlinear structure. However, the patient reader that is willing to learn can truly appreciate this ESPECIALLY if you reread it :> This was the first book I read for the Ulahi Reading Circle (local book club in Bacolod) and while it was a fcking struggle it really was worthwhile :)) I can't unpack all of my thoughts on this book but I truly am grateful to have read this.

mslaura's review against another edition

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challenging informative sad medium-paced

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

3.75

ambzetelmo's review against another edition

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3.0

I heard this was an experimental book, and that definitely cleared up a few of my questions. However, I actually abandoned this book a little more than halfway through because I was struggling to retain interest and when I did read it, I was barely skimming the pages. I wanted to give it a chance but I just couldn’t get through it and had barely a scrap of an idea what was going on. Perhaps meta books aren’t for me, or perhaps I was just uninterested in the premise. I commend the author for trying out a unique storytelling style and I was hype about having two female leads. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to complete it.

margahhrett's review against another edition

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challenging funny mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.5

audreylee's review against another edition

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challenging dark reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

I knew I was in trouble when the author took the time to go off on a rant about how the reader doesn't need to understand what is happening in the story but just needs to understand their ignorance and keep reading. There are razor-sharp swipes at the relationship between colonizer and the colonized. The enforced false "niceness". The natives versus the saviors. However, none of the characters felt real and the time slips were increasingly annoying as the book drew to a close. Read it but be prepared for the confusion it will inspire.

Content Warnings