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thesawyerbean's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
How do I even begin to describe this book? I am sitting here trying to digest what I just read, awe-struck, troubled, befuddled.
This was more an experience than a book - you were drip-fed the tiniest morsels of information, learning as much as the protagonist Sasha did at each moment, never being explicitly explained the concepts and yet finding yourself enthralled and cognisant within them later on. You grasp and plead for meaning concurrently with Sasha, and unfurl another dimension of complexity yearning to be discovered.
This book was brimming with magic, dark fantasy, science, philosophy and metaphysical themes. I do not think I am intellectual enough to actually fully understand this novel, but it was certainly a delight to try. In parts I was very confused and had to reread whole sections, but honestly it kind of added to the atmosphere. Fans of dark academia like me would appreciate this read.
There are words that are simply trash, refuse, they turn into nothing immediately after they are spoken. Others throw shadows, hideous and pathetic, and sometimes gorgeous and powerful, capable of saving a dying soul.
This was more an experience than a book - you were drip-fed the tiniest morsels of information, learning as much as the protagonist Sasha did at each moment, never being explicitly explained the concepts and yet finding yourself enthralled and cognisant within them later on. You grasp and plead for meaning concurrently with Sasha, and unfurl another dimension of complexity yearning to be discovered.
This book was brimming with magic, dark fantasy, science, philosophy and metaphysical themes. I do not think I am intellectual enough to actually fully understand this novel, but it was certainly a delight to try. In parts I was very confused and had to reread whole sections, but honestly it kind of added to the atmosphere. Fans of dark academia like me would appreciate this read.
There are words that are simply trash, refuse, they turn into nothing immediately after they are spoken. Others throw shadows, hideous and pathetic, and sometimes gorgeous and powerful, capable of saving a dying soul.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Blood, Death, Death of parent, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Cursing, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, Suicide attempt, Alcohol, Forced institutionalization, and Injury/Injury detail
catsy2022's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcohol, Sexual content, Sexual assault, Death, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent
sarah984's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. It feels like you are going through Sasha’s metamorphosis alongside her. I feel like this must have been a beast to translate, considering how much of it is about language and very abstract concepts. Still, overall it was clear and evocative but emotional. Unlike many others here, I loved the ending.
I docked a star because some of the sexual violence/coercion early in the book felt really unnecessary (with Lisa most of all, but the part where Sasha basically has to lose her virginity for homework too). If you can stomach that though, and you're interested in a strange cerebral story about a person growing beyond her limit, you might enjoy this.
I docked a star because some of the sexual violence/coercion early in the book felt really unnecessary (with Lisa most of all, but the part where Sasha basically has to lose her virginity for homework too). If you can stomach that though, and you're interested in a strange cerebral story about a person growing beyond her limit, you might enjoy this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Death of parent, Death, Emotional abuse, Vomit, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Ableism, Abortion, Drug use, Fatphobia, Trafficking, and Rape
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