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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
Just going to sit here and cry. Beautiful and heartbreaking all in one.
No review but I’ll be in convo with the author on May 1, 2021 at The Festival of Literary Diversity.
No review but I’ll be in convo with the author on May 1, 2021 at The Festival of Literary Diversity.
This was a difficult book to read, not because of the writing, which is compelling, but because it echos and amplifies the grim/horrific realities of colonialism, racism, residential schools, slavery, and the loss of culture and home. This would be a helpful novel to encourage conversations about the difficult topics previously listed, particularly with teenagers (the protagonist is a teenager for the duration of the book).
I couldn't put this down, pretty much read it in one sitting!
Elimina Dubois wants nothing more than to escape the Gutter, get out of debt and have her freedom. Unfortunately, she is met with obstacles at every turn. She is vulnerable, yet smart. She is loyal yet betrayed. She has friends, yet she is alone. She is a victim time and time again. What she really needs is not freedom, but to find her identity and to be loved.
This is a dystopian novel that seems young adult, but does have some adult themes. A terrific debut by a Canadian author, with a fabulous imagination!
This is a dystopian novel that seems young adult, but does have some adult themes. A terrific debut by a Canadian author, with a fabulous imagination!
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Gutter Child hooked me from page 1, I could not read this book fast enough to find out what happened. The exploration of colonization and the effects it has on those living on the land prior is well developed in this dystopian fiction. This book brought all the emotions on the table and left me at the end sad that the journey was over. Highly recommend.
3.5 ⭐️ (I wish goodreads would let us rate half stars)
I really enjoyed this book and it's a bit different from books I usually read. I did find that it felt more like a young adult book, even though it isn't really marketed as such. It's a good book and it does make you think, but I was disappointed with the way it ended.
I really enjoyed this book and it's a bit different from books I usually read. I did find that it felt more like a young adult book, even though it isn't really marketed as such. It's a good book and it does make you think, but I was disappointed with the way it ended.
Elimina wants nothing more than to escape the Gutter, get out of her “debt” and live her life freely. She is one of 100 babies that were taken away from the Gutter and raised in the land of opportunity as part of a social experiment led by the Mainland government. However, when her mainland mother dies, she is let alone to fend for herself and is sent to an academy, a place where there are too many rules and expectations.
A story that examines inequality, injustice, and the effects of the growing up in different class in society. The story is set in a fictional world but it felt so real. The characters offer resistance while maintaining strength and hope.
A story that examines inequality, injustice, and the effects of the growing up in different class in society. The story is set in a fictional world but it felt so real. The characters offer resistance while maintaining strength and hope.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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:
No
Very powerful story, and really well-written. Quite heavy so be mindful to take care of yourself if deciding to delve into this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Forced institutionalization, Police brutality
Moderate: Child death, Racism, Suicide