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mossdoesbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Moderate: Sexual assault
vkitoria's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Moderate: Sexual assault and Abortion
ardinareads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
R.O. Kwon is a phenomenal writer.
Graphic: Sexual assault and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Suicide, Toxic relationship, Grief, Stalking, Murder, and Alcohol
gracethegraham's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Abortion
Moderate: Sexual assault
jessicasli's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Moderate: Sexual assault and Suicide
dale1997's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicide, Violence, Death of parent, and Alcohol
kkontraproduktiv's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicide, Religious bigotry, Car accident, Abortion, and Gaslighting
maryy_r0se's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
"I ate pain. I swilled tears. If I could take enough in, I'd have no space left to fit my own."
Every so often, I read a book that I just cannot get out of my head. This is certainly one of those books.
Will Kendall transfers to Edwards University after abandoning his fundamentalist Christian beliefs and subsequently, leaving his Bible School behind as well. He meets Phoebe Lin, an infectious and enigmatic young woman who is struggling with guilt after her mother's death. He is immediately drawn to her, and the two embark in a relationship. Things begin to fracture, however, as Phoebe grows closer to John Leal, a charismatic religious leader who Will is unable to trust.
With breathtaking, descriptive prose, R.O. Kwon reveals the ugly, complex side of faith. This story provides the most masterful and nuanced interpretation of religious trauma that I have ever witnessed. Though the story is mainly told from Will's perspective, Phoebe and John also share the narration, although even then, Will acts as a sort of vessel for their stories. While Will provided an interesting and resentful view of religion, it was Phoebe's sections that I looked forward to the most. That said, if you are looking for likable characters, look elsewhere.
I unfortunately think that the publishers may have failed this novel, because the most common description of the book feels inaccurate and incomplete. The story does not focus on Will's search for Phoebe; that section makes up about 10% of the book at most. The story focuses on the events leading up to the event, and Will witnessing Phoebe's descent into extremism. It focuses on a toxic relationship just as much as it focuses on the dangers associated with religion.
The prose in this novel is some of the best prose I have ever read, alongside Donna Tartt, Scott Heim, and Jeffrey Eugenides. If you don't like descriptive prose, it may not be for you. The best way to explain how gorgeous it can be is to give an example, and the book's final passage is the best example there is. The passage states:
I cannot wait to read everything else Kwon has ever written and will ever write. This book will stick with me for a long, long time.
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, Religious bigotry, Car accident, Death of parent, Murder, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Mental illness, Misogyny, Suicide, Stalking, Abortion, and Alcohol
mikaelaandherbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault
Moderate: Alcoholism, Drug use, Mental illness, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, Car accident, and Death of parent
invaderlinz's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Religious bigotry, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Gore, Infidelity, Rape, Self harm, Forced institutionalization, Islamophobia, and Abortion