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em2jules'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? No
4.25
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Homophobia, Racial slurs, Racism, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, and Stalking
Moderate: Sexism, Torture, Excrement, Police brutality, and Grief
leilorenzo'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
5.0
I bought it on a whim years ago (probably because of its cover, which is LOVELY), so I was more than pleasantly surprised when I started it this month.
The plot is thick through and through, talk about a tense ride! I thought I wouldn't be able to like the characters, but in the end, I really ended up rooting for them.
It is dark, and very descriptive, so bear that in mind and look for TW (gore, blood, injuries). There's also homophobia and xenophobia and enforced religion in public affairs...
I liked how it shows the reader a peek into Amsterdam's life all those years ago, and how merchants were so important, the secret workings of their houses, what kind of deals they made and society had to accept, etc.
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Animal death, Hate crime, Sexual assault, Xenophobia, and Excrement
Minor: Slavery and Abortion
mmefish'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? It's complicated
3.5
Favourite quotes:
“True love was a flower in the gut, its petals unfurling inside out. You would risk all for love - blissful, never without its drops of dismay.”
“When you have truly come to know a person, Nella - when you see beneath the sweeter gestures, the smiles - when you see the rage and the pitiful fear which each of us hide - then forgiveness is everything. We are all in desperate need of it.”
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Homophobia, Racial slurs, Racism, Blood, and Death of parent
Minor: Miscarriage and Sexual assault
emma_gracie_girl's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Homophobia, Racism, Violence, Blood, Grief, and Religious bigotry
gemmascott's review against another edition
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I loved the fact that this book was inspired by an object displayed in the Rijksmuseum and feel like the choice of setting was helpful in exploring some of the themes, including race, gender and sexuality.
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death, Homophobia, Infidelity, Racial slurs, Sexism, and Medical trauma
ellaisntreading's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Animal death, Homophobia, and Sexism
Moderate: Death and Sexual content
Minor: Racism and Slavery
ellanarose's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Homophobia, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, and Grief