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A review by mikki_9
I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
At first I did not really enjoy this book, but the writing’s great, and, against my will, I really started liking the characters. In the end, I loved this story and the characters.
The reason for 3.5 is because the author uses awful descriptors for people of colour, and the main character’s attraction to a friend is written really creep-ily at times. There’s also villainization of fatness a couple times and a weird sexualization/infantilization of most women/girls in this story. Also, at one point they misgender a man, calling him Mimi, saying he looks like a woman.
Maybe those things didn’t bring down my rating as much as they normally would’ve because the character acknowledges his… lack? And because he experiences a lot of character development? Idk.
The reason for 3.5 is because the author uses awful descriptors for people of colour, and the main character’s attraction to a friend is written really creep-ily at times. There’s also villainization of fatness a couple times and a weird sexualization/infantilization of most women/girls in this story. Also, at one point they misgender a man, calling him Mimi, saying he looks like a woman.
Maybe those things didn’t bring down my rating as much as they normally would’ve because the character acknowledges his… lack? And because he experiences a lot of character development? Idk.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Transphobia, Violence, Fatphobia, Sexism, Sexual content, and Stalking
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Body shaming, Cursing, Death of parent, Dementia, Grief, Toxic relationship, Blood, and Rape