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jenna_smuszkiewicz's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
I decided to pick up this book because I heard the main character, Kerewin, was aroace and I wanted to read more of that rep. It is very clear that Kerewin is aroace which is good. This book was just not for me. I wanted to learn more about the child's past, go in the Kerewin's path and exactly what was going on with her, and dive into the mental health of the child's adoptive father, Joe. We go a little into all of those but not enough to make the picture clear to me.
After the event (Joe beating up Simon so hard he goes into a coma) , I don't understand what is going on with the characters there, especially Joe and Kerewin. And I don't know how we get from what's happened in this book to the ending. I don't understand how they can have a happy ending without reconciling more of their past and mental health struggles and child abuse that was permitted to happen
Maybe this book is meant for other people. I get that. If you do decide to read, please read the content warnings. There is a lot in this book.
After the event
Maybe this book is meant for other people. I get that. If you do decide to read, please read the content warnings. There is a lot in this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Physical abuse, Addiction, Alcohol, Drug abuse, Mental illness, Violence, Child abuse, Drug use, Medical trauma, and Grief
Moderate: Chronic illness and Abandonment
Minor: Pedophilia and Adult/minor relationship
rebeccamm's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Wanted to love this book so much, but as others have written, the character arcs are tough to love. I almost wonder if the last 100 pages were written with a different ending and then the editor or publisher asked her to tack on the final 20 pages with a nicer resolution.
Glimpsing into Maori culture was fascinating and I'm glad I read this book for that reason. Otherwise, not a favorite. Everyone needed to be in therapy. Lots of therapy. And it really made this a tough read.
Glimpsing into Maori culture was fascinating and I'm glad I read this book for that reason. Otherwise, not a favorite. Everyone needed to be in therapy. Lots of therapy. And it really made this a tough read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
Moderate: Chronic illness, Violence, Child death, Adult/minor relationship, and Alcoholism
Minor: Cancer
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