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jayisreading's review against another edition
4.5
Graphic: Hate crime, Torture, Sexual assault, Murder, Racism, Racial slurs, Trafficking, and Death
Moderate: Rape and Violence
Minor: Excrement and Vomit
bestknownfor'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
4.0
After reading the origin, it makes sense that the whole book is leading up to Idaho, and I feel like some of the earlier segments could have been briefer. Really solid overall.
Graphic: Trafficking, Murder, Rape, and Racism
Moderate: Racial slurs, Violence, and Slavery
awagnergaines'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
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Graphic: Sexual assault, Xenophobia, Murder, and Violence
rebeccavpark'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? No
4.0
Graphic: Violence, Xenophobia, and Racism
mlander's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault
Moderate: Death, Racial slurs, Trafficking, and Violence
Minor: Kidnapping
rachellen'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
5.0
Spoilers mentioned.
This was such an incredible story to read and I feel it is very special. Right when I felt the pace was too slow, bam! Another twist, another turn. Daiyu’s destiny was gut wrenching, as I began reaching the last 40 pages I thought ‘there will be a cliffhanger for a second novel or this novel will break me’.
I found it really emotional and difficult to read parts of abuse and racism but understood entirely the importance of it. I felt more educated on Chinese American history after reading it, and really appreciated having learnt something, acknowledging my privilege at having to learn it by reading it rather than living it.
I suppose Daiyu felt her luck never arrived for her, but through the story I saw how many times luck managed to get her to safety, though not as much as I would have liked. It’s a tragedy but one that was inflicted by racists and abusers. It’s simply horrid, and yet her storyline all still feels as she was in control. The minute that she didn’t go back to Boise to meet William, I knew. By calling out her real name, finally owning her name, it was as if she was calling her fate to meet her, not her captives, she didn’t wait. It was really captivating, particularly the line ‘my name is Daiyu[…] You will never forget me’.
I adored the almost ethereal presence of Lin Daiyu, which had me questioning ‘is she real? Is this a sci fi? Am I seeing things too?’ I think at first I thought it was simply Daiyu’s coping mechanism, but I believe it was Lin Daiyu, tied with Daiyu from birth. Now I understand the importance of birth names and their inextricable ties to fate.
Only praise rings from my brain right now.
Graphic: Violence, Kidnapping, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Confinement, and Death
Moderate: Death of parent, Vomit, and Blood
0124eliza's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Racial slurs, Hate crime, Violence, Racism, Rape, Trafficking, and Murder
rebcamuse's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Violence, Death, Xenophobia, and Sexual violence
banpoulami's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
A note to read the acknowledgements of this book, if you don’t usually! It adds a layer that is extremely valuable to the experience of the story.
I can’t in good conscience say you will have fun but the writing is worth the pain and heartache. But I was sobbing uncontrollably at the end, so reader, be warned.
Graphic: Racism, Violence, Racial slurs, and Sexual assault
martinjen98's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Kidnapping, Grief, Emotional abuse, Xenophobia, Sexism, Racial slurs, Murder, Bullying, Racism, Dysphoria, Violence, Trafficking, Torture, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, Rape, Hate crime, Death, and Child abuse