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abutler's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Minor: Blood, Police brutality, Racial slurs, Racism, and Violence
teajay's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Torture, Gore, Violence, Racism, and Blood
greenteadragon's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Blood, Death of parent, Gore, Grief, Racism, and Violence
Moderate: Body horror, Gun violence, Police brutality, and Racial slurs
spiritedfaraway's review against another edition
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Death, Death of parent, Gore, Grief, Gun violence, Hate crime, Murder, Police brutality, Racial slurs, Racism, Torture, and Xenophobia
Minor: Ableism
kingweirdo's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Blood, Gore, Gun violence, Murder, Police brutality, Racial slurs, and Racism
jbellomy's review against another edition
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Racism, Racial slurs, Blood, Police brutality, Gun violence, and Death
naika's review against another edition
3.0
The Ballad of Black Tom is divided into two parts: the first part through the POV of Tom, and the second through the POV of Malone, a police officer. Personally, I found Tom's point of view strongest and most resonate. I think I understand the utility of Malone's character, but when the book transitioned to his POV, I felt a bit lost and it seemed as though so much of the integral pieces - particularly that of the transformation of Tom - occurred off screen.
There were aspects that were introduced that did not seem fully realized (e.g. the older woman who sought out Tom's services to retrieve a powerful book). Given all the moving pieces, I kept thinking how I would probably absorb the story better if it were adapted on screen. I have not read the source material this book was inspired by - and don't believe I ever will. I'm firmly comfortable getting a taste of Lovecraft's work through the perspective of Black authors, given his blatant racism.
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Gore, Racial slurs, Racism, and Violence
Moderate: Death and Police brutality
jenny_d's review against another edition
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Blood, Police brutality, Racial slurs, Racism, and Violence