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clarksamanthab's reviews
48 reviews
I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
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
4.0
this book is less so a study of dehumanization, than one of rehumanization. we follow a main character with no name as she attempts to grapple with innately human things: love, autonomy, and death. This novel reads completely different knowing the author to have escaped the holocaust. The bunkers mirror concentration camps, and the endless questioning of “why,” and “why me” are likely those the author lived with after seeing herself escape such endless devastation & cruelty. Every detail of this book is either a symbol of the narrator’s learning to be human, or a demonstration that she will always be one step away from it due to her experiences.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Confinement, Death, Genocide, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Terminal illness, Police brutality, Dementia, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent
The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
challenging
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
the plot twists at the end were so captivating… I really had no idea. amazing.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Death, Mental illness, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Xenophobia, Medical content, Grief, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Toxic friendship, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins
Did not finish book. Stopped at 6%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 6%.
had to return the library copy. bought my own copy and will read another time
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
This book was awful. The main character isn‘t just unlikeable- she‘s practically evil. Am i supposed to root for her as she enjoys torturing someone or destroying entire cities?? Additionally the older sister is main character’s whole motivation- but she is only given a name once in the beginning. the whole rest of the book she is just called „Big Sister“ as if the author forgot to go back and fill the name in in editing. Also, the romance was choppy and annoying- each time shed begin to get close to one guy, shed suddenly make a move on another. there was no clear development of her love for either man. Definitely there wasn’t enough time spent with the one who dies before he did. The whole time the main character rambles on and on this repetitive „man bad woman good“ crap. i get it’s supposed to be a feminist book but feminism isnt violence and rage without nuance. Overall the book was surface level and lazy. The only redeeming factor was the interesting worldbuilding.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Mental illness, Misogyny, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Trafficking, and War
The Black Arts: A Concise History of Witchcraft, Demonology, Astrology, Alchemy, and Other Mystical Practices Throughout the Ages by Richard Cavendish
challenging
informative
reflective
5.0
This book is a great resource for historical occult knowledge and practices. Some people have issue with racism and sexism in the book- these things aren’t encouraged, only documented. If people were historically racist, the author isn’t going to pretend otherwise
The Shore of Women by Pamela Sargent
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-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
4.5
I loved that this book doesn’t follow a typical story structure- its unpredictable, yet the ending was still satisfying. The characters were tragic and moving, the world was thoroughly thought out. As strange a concept as it was, and as uncomfortable the explorations of human sexuality might have made me, this book was fantastically crafted.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Alcoholism, Animal death, Incest, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Grief, Murder, Pregnancy, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Pedophilia and Torture
The Faces by Tove Ditlevsen
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book is so cleverly written. The plot is slow paced, yes, but you will find yourself on the edge of your seat wanting to know what happens next. This book’s plot doesn’t just happen or unfold, but it evolves throughout the book like it has its own mind. The descriptions and metaphors are unusual and provocative.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Confinement, Eating disorder, Incest, Infidelity, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Toxic relationship, Forced institutionalization, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Gaslighting, and Dysphoria
Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
i hate both mal and alina. mal is so f*cking annoying. grow up you jealous idiot. poor genya
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5