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richelleaperry's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
At times meditative yet devastating, incisive yet dissociated from the events described. I am for once at the end of a dark, mysterious horror novel not left wondering what was “real,” and having clear resolution was refreshing in and of itself, though the resolution was among the most horrifying parts of the book. The main characters were so compelling, somehow lovable and relatable in their trauma and violence and dysfunction, and the pacing of the plot was spot on.
The author’s use of language is just perfect and the audiobook narrator really added to the experience of this book, differentiating between characters, perspectives, and mental states so clearly.
This will stick with me for a long time. Another favorite of 2024, finished just in time to count for this year.
Moderate: Child abuse, Homophobia, Racism, Sexual violence, and Transphobia
bibliodyke's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexual violence, Suicide, Transphobia, Violence, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Gaslighting
Minor: Gun violence
brunonadamas's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Alcohol
Moderate: Animal death, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Hate crime, Pedophilia, Racism, Rape, Sexual violence, Suicide, Blood, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, and Dysphoria
greavuem's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Death of parent, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Body shaming, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Pedophilia, Racism, Sexual violence, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Grief, Stalking, Suicide attempt, Dysphoria, and Classism
jordanwrites's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Child abuse and Sexual violence
acacia_happy_hour's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Pedophilia, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicide, Transphobia, and Gaslighting
marisnocatpiss's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Ableism, Child abuse, Death, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Hate crime, Homophobia, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Grief, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Vomit
hopetropes's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death, Drug use, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Hate crime, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Racism, Sexual violence, Torture, Toxic relationship, Transphobia, Violence, Stalking, Death of parent, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Gaslighting, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Antisemitism, and Alcohol
kmajeske's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Graphic: Child abuse, Pedophilia, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
the_vegan_bookworm's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I definitely think it can be can be considered a horror in that it has the effect of disturbing, shocking and scaring the reader as they learn of the ways these children have suffered. With this said, it's a horror in a fully unexpected way and people expecting a really traditional horror novel may be disappointed.
Those who have grown up with similar traumas will see themselves reflected in this story in a way that's likely to be very painful but may also be cathartic. For everyone else, this is a story that sticks with you in many ways. I expect to think about it for a long time.
Graphic: Ableism, Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Child abuse, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Racism, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Moderate: Gun violence and Rape
Minor: Transphobia