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A review by lemonsandligaments
Airy Nothing by Clarissa Pattern
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I’ve read a lot of books this year that have decent plots but main characters that I don’t care for. This book reminds me that main characters CAN be likeable.
Some of the themes in this book are tough, especially in today’s world. They’re deftly handled through the eyes of young boys, while being informative at the same time.
Black Jack. Holy shit, that dude is literally flawless (minus the wanting to keep John for himself, which is like a GOOD flaw. Black Jack being the closest thing to an angel might be the only reason this is not 5 stars as it kinda plays into the “mc meets miracle man” trope.
John’s your typical character that is shy and thrown into a whole new world. His mien makes it easy to care for his wellbeing as he is nice to most.
The relationship that develops between them both if of course lovely.
By the end, any major plot points like Jack possibly heading to the gallows and their reunification were major emotional moments and benefitted from the strong building of their relationship beforehand.
And the whole bit about John seeing Jack pick a gift for him and settling on BUYiNG the ring was so JJSKSOAO.
The dynamic between them and the other characters like Bess and Molls are fun!
Having a sole antagonist, the Butcher, that just dies is alright I guess. I’m not clamouring for him to be more fleshed out and have more time, I enjoy how Jack and John were the focus of the book.
This book was adorable and a great read. The author clearly knows Shakespeare and the scattered references made me apprehensive at first as I am no Shakespearephile. When snippets of his plays were used for major plot points, it makes it worthwhile.
Some of the themes in this book are tough, especially in today’s world. They’re deftly handled through the eyes of young boys, while being informative at the same time.
John’s your typical character that is shy and thrown into a whole new world. His mien makes it easy to care for his wellbeing as he is nice to most.
The relationship that develops between them both if of course lovely.
By the end, any major plot points like Jack possibly heading to the gallows and their reunification were major emotional moments and benefitted from the strong building of their relationship beforehand.
And the whole bit about John seeing Jack pick a gift for him and settling on BUYiNG the ring was so JJSKSOAO.
The dynamic between them and the other characters like Bess and Molls are fun!
Having a sole antagonist, the Butcher, that just dies is alright I guess. I’m not clamouring for him to be more fleshed out and have more time, I enjoy how Jack and John were the focus of the book.
This book was adorable and a great read. The author clearly knows Shakespeare and the scattered references made me apprehensive at first as I am no Shakespearephile. When snippets of his plays were used for major plot points, it makes it worthwhile.
It’s not because I’m good or kind. It’s just that being with you makes me so.