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shieldbearer's review
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Alright, so I can see why this book is a classic, and there are absolutely elements of it I respect. It's very clearly well researched and the prose directly reflects the time it was written. The way the author writes about Books' illness is also very clearly well researched - down to utilizing spoon theory in all but name, and in ways that surprised me as Books' illness is utilized as the serious matter it would be.
However, there's the sexism. And the blatant antisemitism and racism. I nearly quit reading in the scene where the peddler shows up, but I stuck around because I wanted to see how the plotline with the son resolves. It doesn't. It feels like there's No Ending to the other characters. Once Books dies, we're supposed to disengage and stop caring even though certain plot threads don't really get a resolution.
However, there's the sexism. And the blatant antisemitism and racism. I nearly quit reading in the scene where the peddler shows up, but I stuck around because I wanted to see how the plotline with the son resolves. It doesn't. It feels like there's No Ending to the other characters. Once Books dies, we're supposed to disengage and stop caring even though certain plot threads don't really get a resolution.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Cancer, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Gore, Gun violence, Misogyny, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Blood, Medical content, and Alcohol
Moderate: Drug use, Racism, Sexual content, Xenophobia, Antisemitism, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Drug abuse and Sexual assault