A review by bisexualwentworth
With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo

  • 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

4.0

My least favorite of Elizabeth Acevedo's novels so far but still very good. I think her lyrical, vignette-driven writing style works better with poetry than with prose. There were also far too many instances of "I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding" (three in a row!). 

I loved the characters, the story, and the use of food in the narrative (though it maybe could have been interwoven a little bit more). The ending was just right. Emoni's arc really really worked, and I rooted for her and her people the whole way through. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings