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thewordsdevourer's review
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.25
caucasia is by no means a bad book, it has a very intriguing and timelessly relevant premise, one thats nevertheless unfortunately marred by its, imo, slightly floundering execution.
the ingredients for a great story are there, but it's way too long, at times too snail-paced, and doesnt hammer its themes as incisively as it should. i feel like this book could be trimmed down by at least a hundred pgs, filled w/ unnecessary details + scenes and the occasional ramblings it is, esp during the section where birdie and her mom are on the run. all these detract from the novel's msg and themes as well, where they're ruminated on and discussed by the characters in stops and starts, never quite reaching the zenith they should.
the parents' political stuff are too vague as well. i understand the secrecy seen from birdie's POV and the necessity for the ambiguity of it all, but senna's decision on this level of vagueness nevertheless makes it difficult to truly focus, and is instead distracting and even annoying at times.
while the discussion of race, intersectionality and many instances as experienced by the characters are intriguing, caucasia regrettably never quite reach its full potential, holding back on crucial points and unfocused + floundering in its execution.
the ingredients for a great story are there, but it's way too long, at times too snail-paced, and doesnt hammer its themes as incisively as it should. i feel like this book could be trimmed down by at least a hundred pgs, filled w/ unnecessary details + scenes and the occasional ramblings it is, esp during the section where birdie and her mom are on the run. all these detract from the novel's msg and themes as well, where they're ruminated on and discussed by the characters in stops and starts, never quite reaching the zenith they should.
the parents' political stuff are too vague as well. i understand the secrecy seen from birdie's POV and the necessity for the ambiguity of it all, but senna's decision on this level of vagueness nevertheless makes it difficult to truly focus, and is instead distracting and even annoying at times.
while the discussion of race, intersectionality and many instances as experienced by the characters are intriguing, caucasia regrettably never quite reach its full potential, holding back on crucial points and unfocused + floundering in its execution.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Racial slurs, and Bullying
Moderate: Abandonment, Body shaming, Sexual content, and Violence
Minor: Police brutality and War
orireading's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-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
3.75
really liked this one, points off for how slow it was at moments. Wish she had dug more into birdie and cole’s imagined relationship w each other after birdie leaves Boston— birdie def was grieving cole and pictures cole grieving her too but never thinks too deeply about it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Religious bigotry, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Alcohol, Violence, Bullying, Grief, Antisemitism, and Homophobia
Minor: Suicide
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