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rendezvousgirl's review
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- 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
This is ultimately a novel about grief, especially how it manifests in interpersonal relationships. I quite liked how grief is portrayed, and the immature and almost childlike qualities in Akúa and her relationships with her family. I found her character to be lovable though complicated, and she felt realistic. The writing style was easy and compelling, and the use of imagery results in an amazing establishment of setting.
I agree with other reviewers about the day countdown being unnecessary, and there is quite a lot of onomatopoeia especially in the beginning, which gets annoying. I really wish there were paragraph breaks or clear markers between present and flashback because it was confusing and could’ve easily been fixed.
My biggest complaint is that I wish it had been longer, to allow for more character development and depth especially in the side characters. The ending felt rushed, and the last third of the book felt disjointed from the first two.
Despite some issues, I enjoyed this and think it had a lot of potential, and I hope to see more from this author.
I agree with other reviewers about the day countdown being unnecessary, and there is quite a lot of onomatopoeia especially in the beginning, which gets annoying. I really wish there were paragraph breaks or clear markers between present and flashback because it was confusing and could’ve easily been fixed.
My biggest complaint is that I wish it had been longer, to allow for more character development and depth especially in the side characters. The ending felt rushed, and the last third of the book felt disjointed from the first two.
Despite some issues, I enjoyed this and think it had a lot of potential, and I hope to see more from this author.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault
Moderate: Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Grief, Hate crime, Death of parent, Death, Homophobia, Misogyny, Sexual content, Terminal illness, and Violence
emelynreads's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- 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
I need to try a guinep now! The description of Akua's travels through Kingston were so vibrant, and the loss she described when remembering her brother was emotional. I felt that the constant reminiscing while having a conversation was true to life but overdone in the middle of the book. I really enjoyed the first and last 50 pages or so. Akua is a very cool character, I only wish Jayda and Madonna made an earlier appearance in the novel (you don't meet them until 70% into the book).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Sexual violence, Grief, Terminal illness, Sexual assault, Lesbophobia, Child death, and Death of parent
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