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A review by casparquarius
American Rapture by CJ Leede
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
this book hollowed me out with a melon baller and wow. it took me a long time to read, partially because my focus for reading is spotty but also because it is very intense and emotionally challenging. I loved it every step of the way, but often needed to read it in small doses so that I did not get too overwhelmed with the feelings of it. while I don't like zombies and am typically wary of pandemic horror stories, this one felt fresh and interesting and slightly-too-relatable; the fact that the true horror was in Sophie realizing the extent and limits (and not quite realizing the abuses yet) of her upbringing and community was just icing on the cake. heed the content warnings, but this is an incredible read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Homophobia, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, Child death, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Suicide, Xenophobia, and Injury/Injury detail
Character death spoiler: the dog Barghest does die, and it is graphic and upsetting and difficult. I need to know if this happens in advance, so I was prepared and I'm glad. Thankfully, it did not feel like an unnecessary shock value death; it was narratively and thematically appropriate, even as it was difficult to read.