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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
This was such a delightful read. The story didn't sugarcoat the racist and homophobic sentiments of the time but instead used them to paint a very real and hopeful image. I loved the characters and the love story was so endearing to read. I thought the magical aspects were the weakest part of the story, though they did make for a rather fun last chapter. The story itself though was super touching and, as I said before, truly a delight to read.
hopeful
medium-paced
DNF - wanted to like this but couldn't get into it. I was already feeling the first part was slow, then the second part took us on a time jump and introduced a gazillion new characters all at once. I couldn't cope.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Quick fantasy novella that takes place in San Francisco, following the adventures of a pulp novel painter, Haskel. You are wrapped in this fantastical world, and can feel the care in which the author takes in her setting. I found it hard to get immersed in the science fiction elements of the story at first, but once the plot got going I settled into the world that was built. There were some scenes that were very hard to read, as they depicted racism against Asian Americans in early to mid 1900s San Francisco. And still, I am not quite sure how I feel after reading those scenes, and do not necessarily think that they served the plot. The Asian American characters did not feel fully realized, and this particular scene was extreme in its depiction of stereotype and use of racial slurs.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Homophobia
Minor: Blood, War
Passing Strange is a delightful read; a story of queer women with just the right splash of magic. It is well paced, filled with wonderful characters, and packs a welcome surprise. With such a short length, it is worth putting on anyone's read pile.
It's been a while since I've been so absorbed by a book that I didn't want to put it down. Yesterday sleep overcame me, but today, as soon as I could, I finished the remaining 60 pages or so. There is the barest sprinkle of magic which is why it is published by TOR. However, for the most part it reads like historical fiction about lesbian life in San Francisco during the 1930s.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No