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alicja_p's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
thebestdarnthing's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
wasa_mata's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
This book was so interesting and beautifully written. You can truly feel the anguish of Ánte, him trying to decide between his identity and his culture. I just wanted to hug him and tell him that everything will be fine.
kiperoo's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Really fabulous book!
citrus_seasalt's review
4.0
You know? I’m glad I read this! I was captivated by how easily Åstot was able to capture not only the reactions of her teenage cast(seriously, none of them felt out of place for 16-17 year olds, I thought that was thought-out!), but the longing of them. Of course, in the context of the story’s romance plot, the focus is on Ánte’s emotions when I make that second point.
I also loved the descriptions!! The Sámi culture strewn in throughout felt so lively, there were several mentions of not just traditions but cultural clothing and the like throughout. I also felt totally immersed in the Swedish setting. And I don’t know how else to describe it, but sometimes in different scenes, there were these little actions done by Ánte (like setting a glass down in the sink and hearing it clink) that made him feel more human.
My only drawbacks are that I thought the translation made the writing feel a little strange or janky at times, the ending felt abrupt, and I wish there was more closure on Ánte’s conflict with his dad specifically. I’m bummed I can’t experience this in its original Swedish text(I don’t know the language lol), but I still thought this was a solid book! Surprised at how little it’s been reviewed and talked about. Perhaps I’ll check out more by this author, if her other works get translated. I also want to read more nonfiction about the Sámi people, which while it’s in part because of this book, it’s also because they get largely glossed over in the scope of Swedish/Scandinavian history. (But having a queer book like this centering them is super important, too!)
I also loved the descriptions!! The Sámi culture strewn in throughout felt so lively, there were several mentions of not just traditions but cultural clothing and the like throughout. I also felt totally immersed in the Swedish setting. And I don’t know how else to describe it, but sometimes in different scenes, there were these little actions done by Ánte (like setting a glass down in the sink and hearing it clink) that made him feel more human.
My only drawbacks are that I thought the translation made the writing feel a little strange or janky at times, the ending felt abrupt, and I wish there was more closure on Ánte’s conflict with his dad specifically. I’m bummed I can’t experience this in its original Swedish text(I don’t know the language lol), but I still thought this was a solid book! Surprised at how little it’s been reviewed and talked about. Perhaps I’ll check out more by this author, if her other works get translated. I also want to read more nonfiction about the Sámi people, which while it’s in part because of this book, it’s also because they get largely glossed over in the scope of Swedish/Scandinavian history. (But having a queer book like this centering them is super important, too!)
emelle's review
emotional
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
honeybeewitched87's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcohol, Cursing, Homophobia, Racism, and Sexual content
xavz_'s review
2.5
i think i probably would have enjoyed this book more had i been able to read the original text, rather than the translation. but that's on me for being painfully monolingual. there seemed to be some disconnect that often happens with translated works. the story was short and sweet (and also full of angst!) but there were certain writing quirks that kept me from actually enjoying the book. glad i read it either way though!
dporfirio's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
margardenlady's review
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0