Reviews

The Skin and its Girl is ultimately a novel about the Palestinian diaspora and the trickle-down effects it has through the generations, in this case, the Rummani family. This book reflects the struggles that many refugees (and their children and grandchildren) experience, but emphasizes the specific situation Palestinians are in. Betty’s blue skin is symbolic of Palestinians' existence. She’s treated as a blight; something to be hidden; something alien. Her mere existence forces others to look it in the eye. The story is told by Betty as she sits next to her aunts grave. She recounts their lives and broken fragments of their family's history- Betty notes that most of what she knows was oral history told by the person she is with right now. The aunt who loved her blue skin and who loved to tell stories.

The Skin and its Girl has a compelling narrative. The inner-workings of the Rummani family was complex and distant and intimate. This book felt a little dense at times and I think it'd benefit from a second read. I also didn't connect to it emotionally as much as I expected to. That being said this was beautifully written.

caitie711's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

abitbetterbooks's review against another edition

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emotional 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? It's complicated

5.0

Absolutely magnificent writing, gorgeously descriptive and indulgently emotive. The audio narrator was absolutely stellar as well!

It’s hard to believe this is a debut novel— Sarah Cypher is a masterful writer and captivating storyteller. This book has some of the most brilliant character work I’ve ever experienced. Reminded me a bit of one of my other favourites, Butter Honey Pig Bread with the complex familial relationships and non-linear story / timeline!

I loved how my perception & understanding of the title changed as the narrative developed. A good title is like the icing on the cake when it’s reframed after finishing!

Content Warnings

kimuchi's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional funny hopeful reflective relaxing sad 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? No

5.0

mountainreader's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective medium-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

4.0

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