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mapscitiesandsongs's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
This was easily one of the most bleak, depressing and aggravating books I've ever had the pleasure to read.
I literally had to put the book down a few times because I couldn't handle it any longer. Nevertheless I quite enjoyed it, if you can call it that. The writing is beautiful and atmospheric. I was instantly transported into the rough and bleak landscape of Northern Norway. The characters are all well-written. This is especially true for the two main characters Ursa and Maren, but also for the kirke women in Vardø. I wanted to jump into the book and strangle all of them. An author has to be very good in their craft for me to actually want to do that. Loved the LGBTQIA+ aspect of the story. I also found the ending quite fitting for such a bleak book. A happy ending wouldn't have made sense and I appreciate the author for choosing the most realistic outcome.
I can highly recommend the audiobook, which is read by Jessie Buckley. The way she pronounced all the Norwegian names and words really drew me into the story.
I literally had to put the book down a few times because I couldn't handle it any longer. Nevertheless I quite enjoyed it, if you can call it that. The writing is beautiful and atmospheric. I was instantly transported into the rough and bleak landscape of Northern Norway. The characters are all well-written. This is especially true for the two main characters Ursa and Maren, but also for the kirke women in Vardø. I wanted to jump into the book and strangle all of them. An author has to be very good in their craft for me to actually want to do that. Loved the LGBTQIA+ aspect of the story. I also found the ending quite fitting for such a bleak book. A happy ending wouldn't have made sense and I appreciate the author for choosing the most realistic outcome.
I can highly recommend the audiobook, which is read by Jessie Buckley. The way she pronounced all the Norwegian names and words really drew me into the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Religious bigotry, Sexism, Violence, Colonisation, and Murder
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Grief, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Torture
Minor: Alcohol, Miscarriage, Suicidal thoughts, Death of parent, Infertility, and Infidelity
soswiin's review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
cliche handling of historical lesbians but man do i love whales
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Death, Sexual assault, Violence, and Grief
Moderate: Miscarriage, Colonisation, and Infertility
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