A review by gabyaponte
Luster by Raven Leilani

dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Honestly, while it was a decent and interesting enough read, I'm not sure why it has been so highly praised. I just felt like many of the character's actions, other than Edie's, required a lot more explanation or insight. Eric and Rebecca's characters just felt odd and much of the way they acted went either completely or insufficiently explained. On a positive note, the discussions of race and the implications of being a black daughter to white parents was very captivating and I would have liked to see a lot more of that and a lot less of the awkward and honestly unnecessary sexual interactions between Edie and Eric. Overall, it was a good read but nothing too extraordinary or worth revisiting. 
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