A review by leduyhxxng
Luster by Raven Leilani

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

2.0

Verbose and needlessly detailed—There are many instances of prose in Luster that can easily be trimmed, and which would enhance its overall pacing as well as the reading experience. Whilst the ambiguous atmosphere feels intentional in how it's written in clips of prose that often shift focus, this changing landscape never had a chance to fully settle because of the excruciatingly detailed writing. Two chapters in, and it became a chore to see comprehensive descriptions of random radio shows or video games that have no ramifications on the story whatsoever when as a reader, I want to learn more about our main character, Edie, and her relationship with the wife, Rebecca, and daughter, Akila. Apparently, I don't like reading about unlikable characters, especially when they come bundled with obtuse writing.
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