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felishacb 's review for:
The Palace of Eros
by Caro De Robertis
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This mythological retelling has sensual queer love scenes, gender discovery and expansiveness, and some beautiful affirmation of the character's full identity (after some serious oppression). There's even exploration of a romantic partnership outside of monogam and heteronormativity.
All of the parts that I loved above helped get this book back up to my rating after the parts that didn't work for me. The story feels slow at parts, and I didn't get into it until almost 30%. I also did not remember how much r@pe happens in these tales (off page in the book). While I can see how bodily autonomy is very relevant here, I could have don't without the vast number of r@pes mentioned.
I'm glad I gave this story time to develop, because the love between Eros and Psyche in this novel really is special.
All of the parts that I loved above helped get this book back up to my rating after the parts that didn't work for me. The story feels slow at parts, and I didn't get into it until almost 30%. I also did not remember how much r@pe happens in these tales (off page in the book). While I can see how bodily autonomy is very relevant here, I could have don't without the vast number of r@pes mentioned.
I'm glad I gave this story time to develop, because the love between Eros and Psyche in this novel really is special.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Rape, Sexual content, Transphobia, Murder, Pregnancy
Minor: Incest, Violence, Stalking, Outing, Dysphoria, War, Injury/Injury detail