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damianwinter's reviews
80 reviews
Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan
5.0
The way Ngan addresses the SA aspect of the book is commendable. She approaches the topic with sensitivity, highlighting the emotional and psychological consequences that survivors endure. Through the protagonist, Lei, we witness her struggles, resilience, and growth as she navigates a world filled with injustice and oppression. Ngan does not shy away from exploring the pain and trauma associated with SA, shedding light on its devastating effects while emphasizing the importance of healing and reclaiming one's agency.
The tender love between Wren and Lei is truly a thing of beauty. Ngan portrays their relationship with grace and tenderness, highlighting the healing power of love in the face of adversity. The author creates a safe and nurturing space within the narrative where their love can bloom, allowing readers to witness the growth and strength that can emerge from a compassionate connection. It's a heartwarming portrayal of love's ability to provide solace and support in the darkest of times.
While Girls of Paper and Fire tackles heavy themes, it also manages to incorporate elements of fantasy and world-building that add depth to the story. Ngan's vivid descriptions bring the fictional world to life, immersing the reader in a richly imagined setting filled with intricate details and cultural nuances.
Overall, Girls of Paper and Fire is a compelling and emotionally resonant novel. Natasha Ngan's thoughtful exploration of sexual assault and her delicate portrayal of the tender love between Wren and Lei make this book an important and captivating read. It serves as a reminder of the strength of survivors and the healing power of love, while showcasing Ngan's talent for storytelling and her ability to create complex and relatable characters.
The tender love between Wren and Lei is truly a thing of beauty. Ngan portrays their relationship with grace and tenderness, highlighting the healing power of love in the face of adversity. The author creates a safe and nurturing space within the narrative where their love can bloom, allowing readers to witness the growth and strength that can emerge from a compassionate connection. It's a heartwarming portrayal of love's ability to provide solace and support in the darkest of times.
While Girls of Paper and Fire tackles heavy themes, it also manages to incorporate elements of fantasy and world-building that add depth to the story. Ngan's vivid descriptions bring the fictional world to life, immersing the reader in a richly imagined setting filled with intricate details and cultural nuances.
Overall, Girls of Paper and Fire is a compelling and emotionally resonant novel. Natasha Ngan's thoughtful exploration of sexual assault and her delicate portrayal of the tender love between Wren and Lei make this book an important and captivating read. It serves as a reminder of the strength of survivors and the healing power of love, while showcasing Ngan's talent for storytelling and her ability to create complex and relatable characters.
The Weight of Water by Sarah Crossan
5.0
Kasienka's voice, depicted through Crossan's poetic style, is nothing short of breathtaking. It carries a rawness that adds an extra layer of authenticity to her story. As a young immigrant, Kasienka faces a multitude of challenges and hardships. From navigating a new country to experiencing heartbreak from her father and grappling with the complexities of first love, her journey is both relatable and heart-wrenching.
Crossan does an exceptional job of addressing the struggles that come with immigration, giving readers a glimpse into the emotional toll it can take on an individual. Through Kasienka's eyes, we witness the longing for a sense of belonging, the cultural clashes, and the determination to carve out a new identity in an unfamiliar land. The author handles these themes with sensitivity and empathy, shedding light on the strength and resilience of immigrants and the power of community and support.
The Weight of Water is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the immigrant experience. Sarah Crossan's masterful use of verse creates a unique and evocative narrative that allows the reader to feel every emotion and experience along with Kasienka. It's a story that reminds us of the universal struggles we all face, regardless of our background or circumstances.
Crossan does an exceptional job of addressing the struggles that come with immigration, giving readers a glimpse into the emotional toll it can take on an individual. Through Kasienka's eyes, we witness the longing for a sense of belonging, the cultural clashes, and the determination to carve out a new identity in an unfamiliar land. The author handles these themes with sensitivity and empathy, shedding light on the strength and resilience of immigrants and the power of community and support.
The Weight of Water is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the immigrant experience. Sarah Crossan's masterful use of verse creates a unique and evocative narrative that allows the reader to feel every emotion and experience along with Kasienka. It's a story that reminds us of the universal struggles we all face, regardless of our background or circumstances.