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grantsharpies's review
adventurous
challenging
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Car accident, Child abuse, Grief, Pedophilia, and Infidelity
sundayfever's review
dark
funny
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Liked this more than I expected to. The characters and setting are very vivid. Beautiful writing and imagery. Captures how simultaneously dark/depressing and charming rural life can be. Has its dark moments, see content warnings.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident, Murder, and Death
Moderate: Car accident, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual violence, Child abuse, Sexual assault, Incest, Pedophilia, and Violence
owenwilsonbaby's review
dark
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Fantastic prose; so florid and descriptive but never at the cost of pacing. Some of the images about rain/water/the sea literally made my jaw drop - Proulx has such a talent for playing with language in new and inventive ways. Although there was an ugliness at the centre of the book, she draws out a lot of heart and warmth through the characters. Absorbing even though there wasn't much of a plot in the traditional sense; I like that even the bigger events (e.g. the head in the suitcase) didn't necessarily lead to massive narrative revelations. The sense of yearning for purpose/stability was really emotionally affecting. Truly a book that has the mortifying ordeal of being known as a central thematic concern. Really reminded me of John Irving's writing.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Abortion, Child abuse, Murder, Pedophilia, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Animal death, Death of parent, and Domestic abuse
chugglebuggle's review
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pedophilia, Rape, Child abuse, and Sexual assault
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