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espurrr 's review for:
This Monster of Mine
by Shalini Abeysekara
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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
Wow this book is incredible. I was so completely absorbed in it that I forgot to make dinner! The stakes are high, the characters complex, the imagery vivid.
Kadra is an actually morally grey character who often times does serious violence. He's amazing! And Sarai's journey from victim of a horrific crime to badass defender of the powerless and herself is supremely satisfying. Her anger is palpable. Surviving has left her permanently altered, both mentally and physically. The effects of her trauma and her life in poverty are depicted very well.
I think what I most like about "This Monster of Mine" is that it acknowledges that you cannot make necessary changes by working within the rules of a corrupt system. Violence isn't condemned for it's own sake, but for how it is used. The depiction of class conflicts in the setting is also appealing. The themes and subject matter of the book feel topical and relevant.
Kadra is an actually morally grey character who often times does serious violence. He's amazing! And Sarai's journey from victim of a horrific crime to badass defender of the powerless and herself is supremely satisfying. Her anger is palpable. Surviving has left her permanently altered, both mentally and physically. The effects of her trauma and her life in poverty are depicted very well.
I think what I most like about "This Monster of Mine" is that it acknowledges that you cannot make necessary changes by working within the rules of a corrupt system. Violence isn't condemned for it's own sake, but for how it is used. The depiction of class conflicts in the setting is also appealing. The themes and subject matter of the book feel topical and relevant.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Violence, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Alcoholism, Body shaming, Bullying, Death, Gore, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Blood, Vomit, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Classism