Reviews tagging 'Colonisation'

Weyward by Emilia Hart

6 reviews

booknerdcoco's review against another edition

emotional informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad slow-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

3.5

Firstly, the cover design is gorgeous 😍 

I liked how the story was told from 3 perspectives of the same ancscetral line, and all culminated in the end.

I think the political undertones of this book are relevant in today's society, which is a sad truth.

Overall, I enjoyed the plot and the character development. However, at times, it did feel tedious, and I found myself wanting scan over parts in order to get to through the story.

I would recommend it, as overall, it was an enjoyable read.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Religious bigotry, Car accident, Abortion, and Pregnancy

Minor: Terminal illness and Colonisation

godfrina's review against another edition

challenging dark sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

Three women's stories through the centuries, centering on their suffering, horrific abuse and mistreatment mostly at the hands of men. The writing itself is beautiful and I guess it's meant to read as a story of "female resilience".
However, it taught me predominantly two things:

1. I must stop getting seduced by gorgeous cover art 
2. I cannot stomach stories about misogynistic physical and emotional abuse 🤷🏻‍♀️

2 stars for the writing style and tackling the issues at hand. 
Content warnings longer than this review. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Confinement, Domestic abuse, Incest, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Blood, Religious bigotry, and Abortion

Moderate: Death, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Stalking, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Alcohol

Minor: Vomit, Car accident, Colonisation, War, and Classism

orangepeaches's review

adventurous emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I love how it shows women's issues through different generations and with a witchy and nature based element. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Blood, Grief, Abortion, Pregnancy, and Colonisation

kelseyr713's review

adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• 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

5.0

Other than the first 30 or so pages, I read this book in one sitting; it's a page-turner! I loved that the three narrators slowly intertwined, their lives echoing throughout generations. All three of the narrators were enjoyable to read and had distinct voices. There are a lot of scenes that are difficult to read in terms of subject matter, but the overall takeaway is the strength and resilience of women.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Confinement, Incest, Miscarriage, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Blood, Medical content, Abortion, and Pregnancy

Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Death of parent, and Colonisation

Insects

kneec's review

adventurous dark emotional fast-paced

• 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

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Incest, Rape, Religious bigotry, and Abortion

Moderate: Violence, Vomit, and Colonisation

thevioletfoxbookshop's review

challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

 There's this strange misconception that humans are separate from the natural world. That somehow, the plants and animals that surround us are foreign, dangerous even. And anyone in tune with nature is labeled a witch. Is it really so crazy to think that we are a part of nature and that being connected to the earth might actually be... natural?  I think we have to stop labeling anyone connected to nature "a witch" - whether in a positive or negative light. Being in tune with the natural world should be the norm, not some exotic concept. 

So do I have some gripes? Yes. But they may be more gripes with the world at large than with this book if we're being really honest. Now that I've had my TedTalk, here's what I loved about the book - because I did love a lot of it!

Weyward is the story of three women, across five centuries, connected to each other by blood, nature, and their struggle for independence. It's emotional, rich in detail, with a hint of magic.

Altha is a healer on trial for witchcraft in 1619. Violet is a young girl in 1942 struggling with isolation, societal standards, and other unwanted circumstances. And Kate has recently escaped her abusive boyfriend in 2019. While their stories are different, you'll find layers and parallels connecting each. You'll find yourself wondering how much progress we've made since the 1600's, if any at all. The burdens may change shape, but the weight remains the same.

Weyward comes with a load of trigger warnings, so be sure to look those up. It deals with a lot of heavy topics, speaking to the deep pain and incredible strength required of women. But it's also about healing from that pain and trauma, finding your freedom, listening to your inner voice, exercising your power, and finding the magic within yourself and nature.

I did find the descriptions of nature and the landscape beautiful and calming. I got serious Secret Garden vibes! And I loved the message that we can all connect to nature, if only we would stop and listen and look. The beauty and the magic is there, all around us.

Weyward is a tapestry of interwoven stories that both mourns the pain women endure and celebrates their strength and beauty. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child death, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicide attempt, Pregnancy, and Gaslighting

Moderate: Animal death and Colonisation

Minor: Death, Homophobia, Incest, Grief, Death of parent, War, and Injury/Injury detail