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A review by sbbarnes
Avalon by Nell Zink
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Avalon follows Bran, an orphan raised by her not-abusive-on-a-technicality common-law-stepfamily. It's a coming of age story about a girl with very little understanding of the world, which is an interesting perspective to inhabit, and the matter-of-factness with which she takes in opinions and worldviews she gets from her friends shows that.
The supporting cast of characters is equally kooky, and frequently painted in a not very flattering light. I would call the tone of the book cynical, especially regarding Will's parents and anything to do with intersectionality, with the constant jokes-but-not-jokes about fascism.
The ending feels fairly abrupt and unclear, although based on the narrative voice, I like to hope she eventually ditched Peter.
The supporting cast of characters is equally kooky, and frequently painted in a not very flattering light. I would call the tone of the book cynical, especially regarding Will's parents and anything to do with intersectionality, with the constant jokes-but-not-jokes about fascism.
The ending feels fairly abrupt and unclear, although based on the narrative voice, I like to hope she eventually ditched Peter.