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3.42 AVERAGE
3.42 AVERAGE
dark
informative
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I am pretty sure this book single-handedly put me into a slump. It does not have the momentum appropriate for this kind of tale in terms of being a thriller but moving slower than a snail through plot points.
However, the biggest reason I have scored so low was the construction of women in this novel. It was incredibly misogynistic and I will advise people to read the content warnings before reading to protect themsleves from distress. It was awful, like zero redeeming qualities awful. I don't know if it is just the author or the way he thought to write what his characters thought about women. I have never read this author before so I can't exactly jump to a conclusion, but, based on how little respect or time is given to potentially interesting women, I don't think I'm gonna try my like by reading another novel by the same author.
I was severely disappointed in this book. In saying that, if you are willing to slog through sexist dribble, there is something of substance in the conversation around racism, heritage, politics of reparations and the impact of colonisation. I only wish this was explored more, it's the reason I wanted to read it in the first place.
The writing is also well done, especially the use of POV and shifting mid paragraph was interesting to read so I did find that enjoyable at times.
In total, I am not a fan. Every time I read a book written by a man, I am just scared.
However, the biggest reason I have scored so low was the construction of women in this novel. It was incredibly misogynistic and I will advise people to read the content warnings before reading to protect themsleves from distress. It was awful, like zero redeeming qualities awful. I don't know if it is just the author or the way he thought to write what his characters thought about women. I have never read this author before so I can't exactly jump to a conclusion, but, based on how little respect or time is given to potentially interesting women, I don't think I'm gonna try my like by reading another novel by the same author.
I was severely disappointed in this book. In saying that, if you are willing to slog through sexist dribble, there is something of substance in the conversation around racism, heritage, politics of reparations and the impact of colonisation. I only wish this was explored more, it's the reason I wanted to read it in the first place.
The writing is also well done, especially the use of POV and shifting mid paragraph was interesting to read so I did find that enjoyable at times.
In total, I am not a fan. Every time I read a book written by a man, I am just scared.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexual violence
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Violence, Kidnapping, Car accident
dark
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Many books where critics have cried misogyny, have left me baffled, but perhaps for once the criticism is justified. I’m not sure if Phillips himself has a low opinion of women or he thinks that misogyny is rife within black society as a whole, but the women in this novel get a rough ride.
Other than that it’s an interesting novel and an ok read.
Other than that it’s an interesting novel and an ok read.
I read this as part of the Writing Back series which aims to bring some of the lost black British classics back into circulation.
This had a very interesting initial storyline, about the theft of a significant piece of African art from a British museum, which was stolen by the British in the first place.
However I found the plot wandered a little with it becoming more about various characters that wanted the mask and the original colonialism / theft issue not centre stage apart from some discussions between the characters.
The way women were portrayed was also a difficult read for me at times.
A difficult one to rate as some parts I really enjoyed such as the first twist and the final twist.
This had a very interesting initial storyline, about the theft of a significant piece of African art from a British museum, which was stolen by the British in the first place.
However I found the plot wandered a little with it becoming more about various characters that wanted the mask and the original colonialism / theft issue not centre stage apart from some discussions between the characters.
The way women were portrayed was also a difficult read for me at times.
A difficult one to rate as some parts I really enjoyed such as the first twist and the final twist.
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
medium-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:
No
adventurous
emotional
tense
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:
No
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
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:
No