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tinyjude's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
A beautifully written novella that tackles themes such as police brutality, lesbophobia, xenophobia, racism, physical abuse, societal expectations... as well as queer love, female friendship, fantasy, magic and a beautiful and nuance portrayal of queer life at that time.
In some occassions it reminded me of Stone Butch Blues because of the portrayal of lesbian (especially femme and butch identities) women and the difficulties they faced at the time. In that sense, this novella was heartbreaking.
However, the flirting, the longing gazes, the sweet intimate moments, the close relationships between these queer women were delightful. I felt in love with Helen/Spike (my god, no wonder everyone went crazy for her. I was going insane reading it) and Haskel (oh, Haskel). The inclusion of art, the descriptions especially of the last painting which is the gorgeous cover of this novella, the artistry vibes of all, noir films with lesbians (looking at you 'bound')... they were just marvelous.
Love and art can definitely be magical.
In some occassions it reminded me of Stone Butch Blues because of the portrayal of lesbian (especially femme and butch identities) women and the difficulties they faced at the time. In that sense, this novella was heartbreaking.
However, the flirting, the longing gazes, the sweet intimate moments, the close relationships between these queer women were delightful. I felt in love with Helen/Spike (my god, no wonder everyone went crazy for her. I was going insane reading it) and Haskel (oh, Haskel). The inclusion of art, the descriptions especially of the last painting which is the gorgeous cover of this novella, the artistry vibes of all, noir films with lesbians (looking at you 'bound')... they were just marvelous.
Love and art can definitely be magical.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Lesbophobia, Physical abuse, Racism, Xenophobia, Death, Domestic abuse, Sexism, Sexual harassment, and Police brutality
buildingtaste's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I wish this book was either shorter or longer, if that makes sense. The back jacket makes a point of there being six different women involved, and this is technically true, but the majority of the story is devoted to just two of them and their relationship. The magic is just enough, neither showily out of place nor so subtle it doesn't warrant its inclusion. Reading the penultimate chapter and looking back at the cover made me tear up. I hope Haskel and Emily had a beautiful life.
Despite the long list of content warnings this book is on the whole a reaffirming read, it just doesn't gloss over the historic conditions for lesbians and Asian americans in the 1940s.
Despite the long list of content warnings this book is on the whole a reaffirming read, it just doesn't gloss over the historic conditions for lesbians and Asian americans in the 1940s.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Colonisation, Death, Hate crime, Racial slurs, Antisemitism, Child abuse, Cultural appropriation, Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Physical abuse, Police brutality, Racism, Alcohol, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, and Misogyny
caidyn's review
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I've had this on my list for ages and it's a good read. I liked how it focused on the queer past and included some fantasy towards the end. Solid read. I'd revisit it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident, Homophobia, Sexism, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, and Violence
robiok's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I had a lovely time with this story, my only observation is that the different povs are not clearly distinguished, they blend into each other and not having a strong voice for each character in such a short narrative did get frustrating at times.
The strongest chapter in my opinion was the first, what a hook, practically a whole story on its own almost a prequel which is also an epilogue.
I know I’m leaning on the lower side of the rating scale despite giving an high decimal there…but it feels more accurate to my feelings at the end of the experience.
Still, I would recommend this pretty universally and add on top of that: I only spend a couple days in San Francisco but the atmosphere? Yes, it’s all there.
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Police brutality, Racism, Sexual harassment, and Suicide
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