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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
This book has a powerful message. I give it only 4 stars because it didn't have me captivated throughout and I got lost a bit at times in the storytelling. I liked watching the characters evolve from children to young adults and become shaped by their circumstances. It is a tragic and unfortunate mirroring of the real world we live in, which can feel so broken. This book highlights how frustratingly slow progress is towards social justice. It made me feel both hopeful and hopeless.
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Been waiting to read this for a while and was finally gifted the book. The world-building is excellent, even though the world of the book is horrific. But BIPOC people will see their histories in this book—the races aren’t a clear 1:1 to our world, but that’s why it’s effective. A lot of the world-building is shared through exposition but I didn’t mind it that much because it was explained via dialogue. Sometimes, it did slow the narrative but was interesting enough to keep me engaged.
My only grouse is that it’s unevenly weighted. Too much of the story focuses on Elimina’s time in the academy. What I wanted more of was the revolution. It’s like the book stops just as it’s getting to the most interesting part. Is there meant to be a sequel? Because that might explain the abrupt ending. If not, I wish there would be.
This is a tough book to read but it’s hard to put down. And it moves so quickly. Looking forward to more.
My only grouse is that it’s unevenly weighted. Too much of the story focuses on Elimina’s time in the academy. What I wanted more of was the revolution. It’s like the book stops just as it’s getting to the most interesting part. Is there meant to be a sequel? Because that might explain the abrupt ending. If not, I wish there would be.
This is a tough book to read but it’s hard to put down. And it moves so quickly. Looking forward to more.
Gutter Child is a 2021 must-read! This book should be on school reading lists everywhere! Read this one in your Zoom book clubs this year!
It reads easily like a mature YA novel, but while it reads easily the content is heavy. It is relevant and fresh while being about colonial and systemic racism which is still going on in our society.
To start, you must understand that there are many key players and groups in the novel: Mainlanders, Sossi, and The Network, The Hill. The Mainlanders are the privileged people who took over and created the Gutter System, forcing the Sossi people to live away from them, policed, and riddled with debts that they spend their lives paying back. The Hill and Network become more relevant later in the book.
The novel follows Elimina, brave and resilient, in her formative years, while providing the story of her history. While she is different than her peers, she is going through the academy track which is meant to rehabilitate the Gutter Children.
I won’t say more because you should be reading this book right now.
It is a fantastic look at systemic discrimination, racism, and justice. Jael Richardson is a beautiful writer and I absolutely loved reading this novel even when it left me heartbroken and angry throughout the pages.
I received an eARC from NetGalley and Harper Collins Canada in exchange for a fair and honest review, and I’d like to thank them and Jael Richardson for the advance copy.
It reads easily like a mature YA novel, but while it reads easily the content is heavy. It is relevant and fresh while being about colonial and systemic racism which is still going on in our society.
To start, you must understand that there are many key players and groups in the novel: Mainlanders, Sossi, and The Network, The Hill. The Mainlanders are the privileged people who took over and created the Gutter System, forcing the Sossi people to live away from them, policed, and riddled with debts that they spend their lives paying back. The Hill and Network become more relevant later in the book.
The novel follows Elimina, brave and resilient, in her formative years, while providing the story of her history. While she is different than her peers, she is going through the academy track which is meant to rehabilitate the Gutter Children.
I won’t say more because you should be reading this book right now.
It is a fantastic look at systemic discrimination, racism, and justice. Jael Richardson is a beautiful writer and I absolutely loved reading this novel even when it left me heartbroken and angry throughout the pages.
I received an eARC from NetGalley and Harper Collins Canada in exchange for a fair and honest review, and I’d like to thank them and Jael Richardson for the advance copy.
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I honestly didn’t enjoy this book. It was pretty slow and the main character was rather unlikeable. The book dragged on, with many characters introduced with no purpose. The ending was terrible and left me frustrated. The moment that Elimina found out she was pregnant is when the book went downhill. The only character I liked was Josephine. Honestly she's the only sensible character. The only reason I gave it 2 stars and not one star is because the concept of the book is really interesting. The author had a great idea, but the book could have been excited better.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Death, Miscarriage, Suicide, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Abandonment
dark
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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:
No
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Miscarriage, Racism, Sexual assault, Slavery, Suicide, Classism