A review by therainbowshelf
An Unkindness of Ghosts by Rivers Solomon

challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I enjoyed this book even though it's more dystopian than I typically enjoy. The world-ship & society are vividly portrayed, & characters are interesting. It's not an easy read, set in a space society where slavery and the subjugation of black people is alive and well. Black people live in terrible conditions in lower decks on the space ship. They are expected to report to work daily in the fields or elsewhere (such as working in the radiation-heavy deck of their small sun), and their lives are closely controlled and monitored by white guards watching their every move and doing nightly headcount to make sure everyone is where they're supposed to be. 
I enjoyed having a neuro-atypical protagonist & LGBTQ+ characters. Aster is a delightful character who spends most of her time thinking in very literal and straight-forward ways. Her strong understanding of medical science isn't her only useful skill, and her way of thinking helps her crack tough codes and to survive. 

Content warnings for suicide, rape, spousal abuse, oppressive abuse, racism, mental illness, loss of a parent, and other topics that may be difficult for some readers.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Racism, Racial slurs, Violence, Sexual violence, Torture, Police brutality, Medical content, Medical trauma, and Slavery

Moderate: Mental illness, Confinement, Sexual content, Ableism, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Blood, Body shaming, Bullying, Cancer, Child death, Death, Gore, Grief, Misogyny, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, and Toxic relationship

Minor: Terminal illness

Loss of a parent, loss of a friend