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challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement, Rape, Blood, Excrement, Death of parent, Pregnancy
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
After reading Tender is the Flesh I was really apprehensive about picking up another book by Agustina Bazterrica but I really enjoyed this book.
I enjoyed the mystery, the reflection of the main character through her internal monologue and diary entries, and the sapphic relationship she ended up having (I was not expecting that so it was a nice surprise). I was left with many questions still unanswered but I think that’s the nature of the authors writing style and really, the questions I was left with can be left unanswered. Overall really enjoyed this book!
I enjoyed the mystery, the reflection of the main character through her internal monologue and diary entries, and the sapphic relationship she ended up having (I was not expecting that so it was a nice surprise). I was left with many questions still unanswered but I think that’s the nature of the authors writing style and really, the questions I was left with can be left unanswered. Overall really enjoyed this book!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Physical abuse, Violence, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death
challenging
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I almost DNF'ed at 28% - in the end I'm glad I struggled through it but the beginning was too much for me. Strange writing style, splatterpunk (for the sake of it), and not much direction. Right around the 1/3 mark, there's a noticeable shift in the writing style, storyline, etc that made this finishable. In the end, I wish there was much more to this from the start than gore and violence, because then the second half (and especially the end) leaves little time for exploring the issues.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Bullying, Child death, Confinement, Death, Gore, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Torture, Violence, Blood, Religious bigotry, Murder, Gaslighting
Moderate: Death of parent
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is a weird one - it's very fever dream meets eco thriller meets religious/cult trauma, and not necessarily in a good way, for me at least. I'm often a fan of prose more on the poetic side, but the author went a bit too far with it. I felt like I was trying to put a puzzle together constantly, trying to figure out what was going, where and when the character was, and it got a bit frustrating after a while because it really disconnected me from the story flow and the characters. I felt nothing for them. The prose also didn't do nearly enough to flesh out the characters, and the world itself. As the reader, you do have a vague sense of what's happened, but it's not enough to make you excited to learn that the world may be recovering. Similarly, within the world of the convent, as the reader you're presented with many arbitrary rules, rituals, behaviours etc., but you don't get any explanation for it at all by the end. It was very disappointing, particularly since I'd been trying to put the puzzle together the whole time. With all of that said, I found things to respect in the book, for example the portrayal of a truly unreliable narrator, and it did keep me engaged and invested all the way through. I just really wish some parts of it were executed differently, especially after having read tender is the flesh. If you do decide to jump in, you've been warned.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Physical abuse, Torture
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I would advise against reading this review if you have not read the book.
This is not a complaint, but I struggle to understand how this is rated as fast-paced. Maybe because its a novel under 200 pages, but barely anything occurs plot-wise until the last quarter of the book.
I think this makes the authors slow-burn style incredibly rewarding. She spends a lot of time and effort detailing her worlds, fleshing out details that not only better help you understand the characters motivations but their flaws and character traits. Bazterica has mastered the art of writing a flawed main character. She displays the push and pull of selfishness vs selflessness, her works exploring what occur when either side wins out.
The Unworthy, is quite the story. There is much to enjoy: human connection and passion, bravery and sacrifice. Not only sacrifice in the religious, cult sense, but true sacrifice in the form of dying so your beloved can be free.
I particularly have to say, I enjoy the way the author wrote queer romance. It felt real, it felt strong. People may accuse the author of thebury your gays trope, but I strongly disagree and think that is missing the point of her death
My star review is not 5 stars, because I did not find it perfect. At time the story feels obfuscated by prose. Not sure if this is an issue with reading a translated version of this book. Though I know the author tends toward the poetic rather than clarity. Sometimes, you are left putting the puzzle pieces together for what would have benefited by clarity.
Also, I’m just not really connected to religion, so I guess I had a harder time connecting for the first little while.
This is not a complaint, but I struggle to understand how this is rated as fast-paced. Maybe because its a novel under 200 pages, but barely anything occurs plot-wise until the last quarter of the book.
I think this makes the authors slow-burn style incredibly rewarding. She spends a lot of time and effort detailing her worlds, fleshing out details that not only better help you understand the characters motivations but their flaws and character traits. Bazterica has mastered the art of writing a flawed main character. She displays the push and pull of selfishness vs selflessness, her works exploring what occur when either side wins out.
The Unworthy, is quite the story. There is much to enjoy: human connection and passion, bravery and sacrifice. Not only sacrifice in the religious, cult sense, but true sacrifice in the form of dying so your beloved can be free.
I particularly have to say, I enjoy the way the author wrote queer romance. It felt real, it felt strong. People may accuse the author of the
My star review is not 5 stars, because I did not find it perfect. At time the story feels obfuscated by prose. Not sure if this is an issue with reading a translated version of this book. Though I know the author tends toward the poetic rather than clarity. Sometimes, you are left putting the puzzle pieces together for what would have benefited by clarity.
Also, I’m just not really connected to religion, so I guess I had a harder time connecting for the first little while.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Blood, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Religious bigotry, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, War
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I didn’t really enjoy this book. Not sure what the hype is about this author’s writing style. Her characters are not well developed. Overall- didn’t like the writing style and presentation but the themes were fascinating and when given to another author, I might have appreciated them more.
However, I think this book IS OF IMPORTANCE.
I’m an ex Catholic and I thought I’d enjoy this because it has overt themes relating to Opus Dei (a sect of Catholicism that contributes huge amounts of money to the Catholic Church). I am highly critical of Catholic people and condemn their entire religion as a cult. Opus Dei specifically reminded me of this book because of the self flagellation that Opus Dei members participate in (to this day).
All that religious trauma being considered, I thought I would appreciate a book that seemed referential to the way Catholicism and specifically Opus Dei functions. Did I enjoy the way the themes of these religious cults were presented? Sure!
I think the gore was fascinating at points and the levels within the cult’s hierarchy were fascinating. I also got a big laugh out of “the erroneous God, the false son, and the negative mother” (112) for ex Catholic reasons…
I know that this book was written by someone who went to Catholic School TM and A BAD OPPRESSIVE ONE. (Which one isn’t though? :)) I do have sympathy for her experience! I appreciate her perspective and how she has translated her traumatic experiences into this book for other people to experience and hopefully understand(not likely, everyone kisses the Pope’s butt). This book does bring up the idea of Paganism towards the end especially and blatantly. I appreciate that perspective as an atheist who much prefers Paganism to a cult like Catholicism or whatever other cult that masquerades as a religion. Speaking of, the ending feels like it’s referencing Mormonism, specifically Warren Jeffs and the Fundamentalists… ALSO the cult leader reminds me of JIM JONES when Jim Jones would just yell fear mongering brainwashing statements at his cult over loud speakers while hiding in his room… (ya know?, the guy who made everyone drink the Koolaid!)
Trigger warnings:
please be warned that rape is spoken of on the following pages: 140-141, 169, 172
animal torture and death of a cat is spoken of here: 142-143
However, I think this book IS OF IMPORTANCE.
I’m an ex Catholic and I thought I’d enjoy this because it has overt themes relating to Opus Dei (a sect of Catholicism that contributes huge amounts of money to the Catholic Church). I am highly critical of Catholic people and condemn their entire religion as a cult. Opus Dei specifically reminded me of this book because of the self flagellation that Opus Dei members participate in (to this day).
All that religious trauma being considered, I thought I would appreciate a book that seemed referential to the way Catholicism and specifically Opus Dei functions. Did I enjoy the way the themes of these religious cults were presented? Sure!
I think the gore was fascinating at points and the levels within the cult’s hierarchy were fascinating. I also got a big laugh out of “the erroneous God, the false son, and the negative mother” (112) for ex Catholic reasons…
I know that this book was written by someone who went to Catholic School TM and A BAD OPPRESSIVE ONE. (Which one isn’t though? :)) I do have sympathy for her experience! I appreciate her perspective and how she has translated her traumatic experiences into this book for other people to experience and hopefully understand(not likely, everyone kisses the Pope’s butt). This book does bring up the idea of Paganism towards the end especially and blatantly. I appreciate that perspective as an atheist who much prefers Paganism to a cult like Catholicism or whatever other cult that masquerades as a religion. Speaking of, the ending feels like it’s referencing Mormonism, specifically Warren Jeffs and the Fundamentalists… ALSO the cult leader reminds me of JIM JONES when Jim Jones would just yell fear mongering brainwashing statements at his cult over loud speakers while hiding in his room… (ya know?, the guy who made everyone drink the Koolaid!)
Trigger warnings:
please be warned that rape is spoken of on the following pages: 140-141, 169, 172
animal torture and death of a cat is spoken of here: 142-143
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Bullying, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Medical trauma, Murder, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
a firestorm of a book. bazterrica captures and creates a world that is both familiar and not, a world within a world that is uninhabitable, that is poisonous, but poses itself as the only safe haven. the story moves quickly, in blinks, moving from one event to the next in a free flowing narrative that sucks you in with no escape. the cast, though limited, are vastly faceted, multi-sided dies of all the aspects of human nature. from the grotesque to the mundane to the innocent to the righteously furious to the resigned, there was not a piece of this book that didn’t hurt, and it hurt in the way it was meant to.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Confinement, Death, Physical abuse, Self harm, Violence, Pandemic/Epidemic
Moderate: Body horror, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Blood, Religious bigotry, Murder
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child death
dark
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:
Complicated
I don’t usually enjoy books without dialogue, but The Unworthy read so smoothly that I barely even noticed. Lucia and the unnamed protagonist were lovable characters in the midst of a torturous, dark setting.
This book is all at once dystopian and relevant; horror and romance. The only reason I didn’t give it five stars was that I wished it was longer.
This book is all at once dystopian and relevant; horror and romance. The only reason I didn’t give it five stars was that I wished it was longer.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Gore, Physical abuse, Self harm, Torture, Violence
Moderate: Confinement, Rape, Sexual assault
agustina never fails to make me cry my eyes out
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death