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A review by obscurepages
The Bruising of Qilwa by Naseem Jamnia
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
UHM WOW WOW WOW. I didn't know exactly what to expect in this book, but this blew me away.
I thought this was going to be a complex and compelling fantasy, and while this book is that, it's also so much more?? This book explored nuanced topics of immigration, being oppressed and being the oppressor, gender fluidity, and family. It's engrossing and heartfelt and just so damn good.
I loved that Persian culture is so present here, and the queernormative world in here is just pleasant to read about.
ALSO the author is such a good writer 😭 How they managed to make the biggest plot twist both so obvious and yet so surprising at the same time is beyond me 😭 I really thought I knew what the plot twist was, but I was actually so wrong and it's so good.
Glad to have read this for Pride Month 🥺
I thought this was going to be a complex and compelling fantasy, and while this book is that, it's also so much more?? This book explored nuanced topics of immigration, being oppressed and being the oppressor, gender fluidity, and family. It's engrossing and heartfelt and just so damn good.
I loved that Persian culture is so present here, and the queernormative world in here is just pleasant to read about.
ALSO the author is such a good writer 😭 How they managed to make the biggest plot twist both so obvious and yet so surprising at the same time is beyond me 😭 I really thought I knew what the plot twist was, but I was actually so wrong and it's so good.
Glad to have read this for Pride Month 🥺
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Injury/Injury detail, and Death
Moderate: Racism, Classism, War, and Dysphoria