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A review by kolorful_kay_reads
Luster by Raven Leilani
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
"... she used to attend these concerts mostly as a function of being someone's girlfriend. She was not permitted to have an opinion so much as observe these boyfriends' exhibitions of taste..."
This book was a rollercoaster of thoughts for me. It ticked every box on the "Karena won't like this" list. I had great disdain for the meandering metaphors which seemed out-of-character. I didn't love that the character development was surface-level for the reader. At times, I couldn't get past some of the more fantastical elements of the growth in the characters' relationships. I'm always looking for books about open relationships or polyamory and the intricacies of managing egos within them, so I was disappointed when it didn't really touch this conversation in-depth. However, despite missing all of my typical marks, I fell IN LOVE with Edie as a human and the very intentional choices made by Raven to explore this character in her early 20s and allow readers to see themselves within Edie.
You will enjoy this book if...
* You want to remember why you don't miss your early-to-mid 20s.
* You're seeking a lighter read that allows you to explore thoughts as deeply as you desire to. There's so much to pick-up, but you're not required to do so. This book has great re-read value.
* You enjoy characters who come to know each other differently over time. Relationships can degrade or grow exponentially and Edie's experience of coming to know new people intimately is sooooo... millennial lady in her early 20s.
This book was a rollercoaster of thoughts for me. It ticked every box on the "Karena won't like this" list. I had great disdain for the meandering metaphors which seemed out-of-character. I didn't love that the character development was surface-level for the reader. At times, I couldn't get past some of the more fantastical elements of the growth in the characters' relationships. I'm always looking for books about open relationships or polyamory and the intricacies of managing egos within them, so I was disappointed when it didn't really touch this conversation in-depth. However, despite missing all of my typical marks, I fell IN LOVE with Edie as a human and the very intentional choices made by Raven to explore this character in her early 20s and allow readers to see themselves within Edie.
You will enjoy this book if...
* You want to remember why you don't miss your early-to-mid 20s.
* You're seeking a lighter read that allows you to explore thoughts as deeply as you desire to. There's so much to pick-up, but you're not required to do so. This book has great re-read value.
* You enjoy characters who come to know each other differently over time. Relationships can degrade or grow exponentially and Edie's experience of coming to know new people intimately is sooooo... millennial lady in her early 20s.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Miscarriage and Toxic relationship
Minor: Racial slurs and Racism