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A review by jamgrl
The Lesson by Cadwell Turnbull
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
What a unique first contact story!
Aliens have invaded Earth— but only the Virgin Islands. The aliens look like humans— but they are much more powerful. They say they are only staying temporarily and peacefully. Issue is, they have short fuses.
This book is super interesting and unique. It weaves together the stories of islanders going through interpersonal issues while also dealing with the political realities of their time- aliens. The book is not just about aliens, they are just another layer to these people’s lives, hiding in the background, and yet they are an inescapable force on the island.
The book switches perspectives quite a lot, but it wasn’t too hard to follow who everyone is. The mystery of the aliens unfolds around and
between the character’s personal dramasfalling in and out of love, making hard choices about when to follow dreams, inter-generational familial conflict. Not to mention how filled it is with Virgin Island culture from an author from the Virgin Islands!
The audiobook has stellar performances from the narrators. (Sometimes they can get whispery, so not every location is ideal for listening.)
(I also liked No Gods, No Monsters by the same author, but I must admit I liked this one better 🫣.)
{{Warning: there is a lot of violence, some fairly graphic, and character death}}
Aliens have invaded Earth— but only the Virgin Islands. The aliens look like humans— but they are much more powerful. They say they are only staying temporarily and peacefully. Issue is, they have short fuses.
This book is super interesting and unique. It weaves together the stories of islanders going through interpersonal issues while also dealing with the political realities of their time- aliens. The book is not just about aliens, they are just another layer to these people’s lives, hiding in the background, and yet they are an inescapable force on the island.
The book switches perspectives quite a lot, but it wasn’t too hard to follow who everyone is. The mystery of the aliens unfolds around and
between the character’s personal dramasfalling in and out of love, making hard choices about when to follow dreams, inter-generational familial conflict. Not to mention how filled it is with Virgin Island culture from an author from the Virgin Islands!
The audiobook has stellar performances from the narrators. (Sometimes they can get whispery, so not every location is ideal for listening.)
(I also liked No Gods, No Monsters by the same author, but I must admit I liked this one better 🫣.)
{{Warning: there is a lot of violence, some fairly graphic, and character death}}
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Gore, Gun violence, and Death
Minor: Car accident and Physical abuse