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suzyhps's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
While the writing in this book was stunning and I was intrigued by the mystery, it was just too long and slow for me. I personally struggle with mysteries and violence in stories, which were both present for this story. Had it been shorter I think I would have sped through it happily. Wonderful characters though, and fantastic twist, if ever so slightly predictable.
Finished:
Initially I had dnf'd this book, as it felt like it was plodding along with no respite. I still feel that there were a lot of sections that were incredibly dense and perhaps unnecessary, but this may also be a result of the work being translated. I am glad I finished this book though, it was a brilliantly twisting story, one twist after the other, and many moments of reading with bated breath. The characters felt full and complex, and it wasn't too hard to empathize with at least a number of them. I am not jumping to read this story again, but I am happy I picked it back up, so I can have the story bumbling around in my head now.
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Domestic abuse
Minor: Gun violence
distilledreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Hate crime, Homophobia, Incest, Infidelity, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Excrement, Vomit, Police brutality, Grief, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
cryptogay's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The themes are very similar to that of Marina, and in many ways this feels like a retelling of that same story. A deep, ghostly, otherworldly mystery is the centerpiece, a young man who falls in love easily dedicates himself to trying to unravel it. The women are pale, beautiful, and largely absent. A kindly and broken hearted father figure is present, but rarely spoken to. It all takes place in an older, more secretive, more ruinous version of Barcelona. The protagonist is reflecting on and writing down the experiences of his youth many years later. It becomes somewhat easy to predict aspects of the mystery, if you've read Zafón before.
But, his writing is a pleasure to read, his skill in crafting suspense and mystery keeps you reading, and much of the horror is genuinely chilling. The story is intricately crafted, but somehow seems to have sprung up naturally. The humanity of other people is a strong focus. Its an interesting book, and one I cannot help but feel an affection towards.
Graphic: Child death, Chronic illness, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Hate crime, Homophobia, Incest, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Police brutality, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Pregnancy
Moderate: Miscarriage, Xenophobia, and Antisemitism
aasplund's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
4.0
Moderate: Body horror, Sexual content, and Violence
sawshiwen's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
i knew by the first 100 pages that i would enjoy this book, and i did, mostly. however, the way carlos writes women, and the men in this book are all dog shit, literally except Daniel, Fermin and his dad. The writing is so captivating and beautiful, so many quotes i want to remember forever. One major flaw in this book is the ending. Lol Nuria be explaining everything through a letter?? a superrrr long letter? i would rather see it myself and not be told.
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Incest, Miscarriage, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Incest
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
kayleyhyde's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Moderate: Incest, Violence, and Murder
Minor: Ableism, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Racial slurs, Forced institutionalization, and Excrement
andreeanz's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Moderate: Gun violence, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, and Police brutality
Minor: Death and Blood
megarowsey's review against another edition
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, and Violence
raw_huerta's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Police brutality
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Incest
gwynsvan's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Violence, and Police brutality
Moderate: Sexual content and Grief
Minor: Miscarriage, Torture, Forced institutionalization, and Excrement