elxla 's review for:

Dead Collections by Isaac Fellman

2.5

dark emotional reflective fast-paced

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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As a queer archivist, I had really high hopes for this book! It was written well, and I enjoyed the various epistle episodes and in world interludes. unfortunately, I struggled with the vampirism metaphor and like many of the reviewers, felt that the exploration of gender and sexuality was difficult to navigate (and leaned into stereotypes and vague lesphobia and transphobia). I wish the pacing had been a little more consistent- much of the book felt rushed, but all in separate ways. Fellman presents a very melancholic view of the archives. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Homophobia, Transphobia, Blood