A review by kana
Orpheus Girl by Brynne Rebele-Henry

dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.25

Overall, the book was a good read. Some scenes were definitely difficult to read, especially knowing that people today are still forced into conversion therapy. As a queer person, I thought that the fear and emotions that Raya felt over liking girls was very relatable. I also liked how the author chose to show how the camp affected different people, such as Clio, who still refused to accept herself as an adult.

Unfortunately, parts of the mythological aspects felt a little awkward/forced to me, and I wish that the story (mostly the ending) was more fleshed out. I was also hesitant to read this book at first, as I saw numerous people criticizing the writing. Although I do agree that the book was not the best written, I feel like that was a positive thing because it shows how Raya was still only a teenager when she had to experience the conversion therapy.