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cubehead27's review
Just didn't come to it at the right time, I guess. (Not that I actively disliked it, I just wasn't interested enough to want to keep reading.)
augie_'s review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
3.0
The story is complex and well-woven but I found the laissez-faire approach to sexual assault and violence very off-putting. I may be missing some context from the mythology used as inspiration, but this was definitely a really rough read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Miscarriage, Sexual content, Sexual assault, Confinement, Death of parent, Grief, Incest, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Kidnapping, Murder, Physical abuse, Police brutality, Toxic relationship, Violence, Infidelity, Sexual violence, Suicide, Torture, Domestic abuse, Gore, and Rape
unread1975's review against another edition
4.0
Выглядит как "100 лет одиночества" с другого конца света.
_kathill's review
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Death, War, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Pedophilia, Incest, Miscarriage, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Blood, and Gore
tobbled's review
3.0
TW // heavy depictions of rape and violence throughout the book
Beauty is a Wound is a well written, satirical magical-realism depicting the history of Indonesia.
The titular theme of the book ‘Beauty is a Wound’ is depicted through the constant violence that the women in this book face. And whilst I would love to buy into the idea that this book is critiquing this when line is so vaguely drawn and it even seems to rejoice in recounting this rape. It is a well made satire and allegory and I can see why it is not only so enjoyed but important. However, it was just too rapey. And you could argue that’s the point due to the themes and troubles it depicts but - it’s a mixed bag I keep going back and forth on.
I will say though my favourite story from this was one of the more violent (incesty, murdery) ones - Krisan, Rengganis and Ai’s story. It was so well crafted and structured and the way the whole thing unfolded and then fell into not only the rest of the book but linked back to previous interactions. The story is incredibly well crafted and thought through overall.
Maybe in a few years I’ll read this book again with more context over the history. I think this book needed more time and thinking than I was willing to give it.
Beauty is a Wound is a well written, satirical magical-realism depicting the history of Indonesia.
The titular theme of the book ‘Beauty is a Wound’ is depicted through the constant violence that the women in this book face. And whilst I would love to buy into the idea that this book is critiquing this when line is so vaguely drawn and it even seems to rejoice in recounting this rape. It is a well made satire and allegory and I can see why it is not only so enjoyed but important. However, it was just too rapey. And you could argue that’s the point due to the themes and troubles it depicts but - it’s a mixed bag I keep going back and forth on.
I will say though my favourite story from this was one of the more violent (incesty, murdery) ones - Krisan, Rengganis and Ai’s story. It was so well crafted and structured and the way the whole thing unfolded and then fell into not only the rest of the book but linked back to previous interactions. The story is incredibly well crafted and thought through overall.
Maybe in a few years I’ll read this book again with more context over the history. I think this book needed more time and thinking than I was willing to give it.
virishin's review against another edition
5.0
⭐4.6/5
Aku. Suka. Banget!!
Untuk yg mau baca, harap siapkan mental agar tidak gila. Pesanku: STAY SANE!
Aku nggak bakal bahas tentang trigger warning dari buku ini karena semua orang yg sudah tertarik pun pasti sudah nggak asing dengan betapa kontroversialnya buku sastra ini
Aku. Suka. Banget!!
Untuk yg mau baca, harap siapkan mental agar tidak gila. Pesanku: STAY SANE!
Aku nggak bakal bahas tentang trigger warning dari buku ini karena semua orang yg sudah tertarik pun pasti sudah nggak asing dengan betapa kontroversialnya buku sastra ini
carolhamano's review against another edition
challenging
dark
medium-paced
1.5
So many trigger warnings.
jannagregory's review
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
2.5
I respect this book, but don’t like it very much. It’s quite an epic work on the part of the author and translator, but it meanders and leaves a character’s storyline just as I was starting to feel engrossed. There is a resolution if you can stick it out and finish the book, but it’s often tedious getting there. Lots of rape, death, sex, and men being captivated by beauty to the detriment of the beautiful.