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challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Graphic: Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma
Moderate: Child death, Chronic illness, Cursing, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Xenophobia, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Abandonment
Minor: Animal death, Body shaming, Bullying, Fire/Fire injury
dark
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
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
Fantasy is not my usual genre choice. In fact, I can probably count on a hand how many I have read. I was drawn to picking The Centaur's Wife up because I absolutely adored Leduc's non-fiction, Disfigured (I actively tell everyone to read it).
I wasn't too sure going into this one how it would go for me. It did take me a bit to get into because it was a lot for me to take in. Leduc is such an insightful and talent writer. The way in which she weaves the story components together is so well crafted. The story and themes are unique and make you think about a lot of topics.
Though there is darkness to this book, there is also hope. There is survival on an individual and community level. The alternating chapters of interwoven fairytales add a truly imaginative piece to the story. Though I didn't always understand what exactly was happening, I still appreciated the read. I enjoyed getting to know Heather in her past and the present to better understand her thoughts as the story unfolded.
I also appreciate that Leduc brings disability into the spotlight with grace and understanding. It is not explicitly said, but you feel it is there. And for that, I appreciate Heather (and Leduc) that much more.
I understand that this may be a book that readers either love or hate, but I strongly encourage readers to pick it up and give it a read. You never know, it may just surprise you. I guarantee there are going to be a lot of great reviews coming down the line for it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn't too sure going into this one how it would go for me. It did take me a bit to get into because it was a lot for me to take in. Leduc is such an insightful and talent writer. The way in which she weaves the story components together is so well crafted. The story and themes are unique and make you think about a lot of topics.
Though there is darkness to this book, there is also hope. There is survival on an individual and community level. The alternating chapters of interwoven fairytales add a truly imaginative piece to the story. Though I didn't always understand what exactly was happening, I still appreciated the read. I enjoyed getting to know Heather in her past and the present to better understand her thoughts as the story unfolded.
I also appreciate that Leduc brings disability into the spotlight with grace and understanding. It is not explicitly said, but you feel it is there. And for that, I appreciate Heather (and Leduc) that much more.
I understand that this may be a book that readers either love or hate, but I strongly encourage readers to pick it up and give it a read. You never know, it may just surprise you. I guarantee there are going to be a lot of great reviews coming down the line for it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Moderate: Child death, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Medical content, Death of parent, Pregnancy
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Murder
Be really, really careful reading this book if you are suicidal or have mental health challenges. As a suicidal person, I found it deeply disturbing and graphically hopeless, and found the descriptions of infanticide and death disturbing.