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A review by ummefatema
Paradais by Fernanda Melchor
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
A difficult book to read; took a while to get into but the pay-off was definitely there. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, surely didn’t think it would be mine but somewhere along halfway it started to come through. The book feels longer than a 100 page novella though, I feel like I’ve just finished a 300 page novel; that’s how much is packed in this.
The actual scheme doesn't really start until the last 20% of the book, the first 80% is just repetitive descriptions of Polo's life and in the most lewd language I have ever read, but like I said, halfway through you get used to the language which also tones down a bit, and that's when it all starts to come together.
The writing was exquisite and I must specially praise the translator because this could not have been easy. But I’m definitely taking a star away for the insufferably long paragraphs. Never thought I’d have to stop reading a book in the MIDDLE of a paragraph but there’s always a first time for everything.
The actual scheme doesn't really start until the last 20% of the book, the first 80% is just repetitive descriptions of Polo's life and in the most lewd language I have ever read, but like I said, halfway through you get used to the language which also tones down a bit, and that's when it all starts to come together.
The writing was exquisite and I must specially praise the translator because this could not have been easy. But I’m definitely taking a star away for the insufferably long paragraphs. Never thought I’d have to stop reading a book in the MIDDLE of a paragraph but there’s always a first time for everything.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Adult/minor relationship
Minor: Murder