A review by wizardmouse
The Unworthy by Agustina Bazterrica

challenging dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I would advise against reading this review if you have not read the book. 

This is not a complaint, but I struggle to understand how this is rated as fast-paced. Maybe because its a novel under 200 pages, but barely anything occurs plot-wise until the last quarter of the book. 

I think this makes the authors slow-burn style incredibly rewarding. She spends a lot of time and effort detailing her worlds, fleshing out details that not only better help you understand the characters motivations but their flaws and character traits. Bazterica has mastered the art of writing a flawed main character. She displays the push and pull of selfishness vs selflessness, her works exploring what occur when either side wins out. 

The Unworthy, is quite the story. There is much to enjoy: human connection and passion, bravery and sacrifice. Not only sacrifice in the religious, cult sense, but true sacrifice in the form of dying so your beloved can be free.

I particularly have to say, I enjoy the way the author wrote queer romance. It felt real, it felt strong. People may accuse the author of the
bury your gays trope, but I strongly disagree and think that is missing the point of her death


My star review is not 5 stars, because I did not find it perfect. At time the story feels obfuscated by prose. Not sure if this is an issue with reading a translated version of this book. Though I know the author tends toward the poetic rather than clarity. Sometimes, you are left putting the puzzle pieces together for what would have benefited by clarity.

Also, I’m just not really connected to religion, so I guess I had a harder time connecting for the first little while. 
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