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veraspacewalker's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Although I can objectively see the likeness and greatness of this book, I can't say that I loved it in a subjective way.
In a way I think of Emerson's words: "neither can any artist entirely exclude (...) the perishable from his book, or write a book of pure thought, that shall be as efficient, in all respects,to a remote posteriority". The never-subtle misonygy and xenophobia is sometimes, but never quite challenged enough, which leaves a sour taste by the end.
I think I'm realizing that I have a hard time finding morally grey characters loveable, but I can't be sure if David can be labelled as such. The characters are incredibly well-rounded (maybe not Hella so much, idk) but never quite loveable, despite knowing where their actions stem from.
Graphic: Biphobia, Homophobia, Misogyny, Transphobia, and Xenophobia
lynxpardinus's review against another edition
4.75
Graphic: Death, Homophobia, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, and Alcohol
Moderate: Bullying, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Misogyny, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Xenophobia, Murder, Outing, and Classism
Minor: Child death, Blood, and Pregnancy
Not sure how to tag it, but whether it's a reflection of the author's biases or an extension of the book's core themes, this book has a lot of negativity toward effeminate/GNC gay men.mynameisrebecca's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Graphic: Homophobia and Misogyny
Moderate: Alcoholism and Alcohol
Minor: Emotional abuse and Xenophobia
iris_garden's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Death, Homophobia, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Misogyny, Suicidal thoughts, and Murder
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Transphobia, Xenophobia, and Death of parent
laurenw's review against another edition
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Death, Homophobia, Toxic relationship, Murder, and Alcohol
Moderate: Sexual content and Xenophobia
Minor: Sexism
curatoriallyyours's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Moderate: Death, Fatphobia, Misogyny, and Alcohol
Minor: Bullying, Child death, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Rape, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Transphobia, Xenophobia, Vomit, Grief, Murder, and Outing
I was not a fan of the casual sexism and transphobia, and I can’t decide if it’s a deliberate airing of questionable ideas by the author to prompt reflection in the reader (this book would have been a shock at the time it was published), a mirror of the values of the time or the genuine feeling of the author.