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A review by foursythia
Mothballs by Sole Otero
challenging
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was an eARC provided by NetGalley and publisher, and I just found out we didn't actually get a full version of the book to review, so.. I'm confused? The ending seems like it hangs rather than answers everything that was laid out so far. There were side characters & smaller conflicts that I thought would be explored more, but it just hangs midway. So, that's probably why: the different version we receive.
Anyway, this review will be based on the 205 pages we get to read. First, the choice of cursive handwriting-like font was quiteeee a headache. Although the art style & color palette works well, maybe not the typography. So hard to read I had to keep pinching my screen in & out to zoom. Story wise, this book explores a lot of family conflict but everything feels... unresolved. These are not lovable characters, mind you, all of them are. And it explores topic like rape, sexual assault, family trauma and poor bond, trans life. So.. lots to unpack yet many left unexplained. Overall.. I would love to know more, but it was kinda frustrating to follow through? The ending doesn't satisfy the despair that the book has cost me :(
Anyway, this review will be based on the 205 pages we get to read. First, the choice of cursive handwriting-like font was quiteeee a headache. Although the art style & color palette works well, maybe not the typography. So hard to read I had to keep pinching my screen in & out to zoom. Story wise, this book explores a lot of family conflict but everything feels... unresolved. These are not lovable characters, mind you, all of them are. And it explores topic like rape, sexual assault, family trauma and poor bond, trans life. So.. lots to unpack yet many left unexplained. Overall.. I would love to know more, but it was kinda frustrating to follow through? The ending doesn't satisfy the despair that the book has cost me :(