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A review by booksbeyondthebinary
Luster by Raven Leilani
challenging
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This story features Edie, a young black woman who meets Eric, a man who says he is in an open marriage, navigating his wife and their adopted daughters presence.
It’s a realistic look at everyday relationships, the ways in which we pick and choose what we want to show to others and what we prefer to keep hidden for ourselves. It’s also an interesting story about how our upbringing shapes us and shapes the way we view those around us, evidenced by the ways we interact, write people off, and develop preconceived notions.
It’s an incredibly human story. Edie is, for me, a relatable character. It’s a story of survival, trying to fulfill our most basic needs, and figuring out where we belong.
It’s a realistic look at everyday relationships, the ways in which we pick and choose what we want to show to others and what we prefer to keep hidden for ourselves. It’s also an interesting story about how our upbringing shapes us and shapes the way we view those around us, evidenced by the ways we interact, write people off, and develop preconceived notions.
It’s an incredibly human story. Edie is, for me, a relatable character. It’s a story of survival, trying to fulfill our most basic needs, and figuring out where we belong.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pregnancy, Violence, Abortion, and Police brutality