A review by that_bookworm_guy
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

Maybe if I read this a few years ago I might have enjoyed it. But for me, this felt very forced.

It seemed like it was trying to be philosophical for the sake of it. The conversation between the two main characters, who are meant to be teens, felt very forced. 

The whole romance thing felt very forced too, and for Ari's parents to tell him that he is in love with Dante felt very odd. 

The whole dead trans trope with the misgendering felt very out of place too. Like why have that as a plot point that plays no actual role in the story. I understand if it's done well where maybe it is called out as misgendering, but it wasn't. The trans woman was referred with male pronouns, she was a sex worker, and she was killed by Ari's brother because 'he was a transvestite'. This is literally the only mention of a trans character and she was murdered. This could have very easily just not been included. I honestly don't understand it at all, or why it wasn't at least called out.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings