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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
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
merakis's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
this story worked well for me for some reason. it was beautifully written, well-paced, and there was foreshadowing since the very first page of the book on how things come full circle in the end. it seems to be mismarketed slightly, seeing as i would classify this as historical, romance and magical realism instead of sci-fi.
keep in mind this is a historical book which means there's subjects like homophobia and transphobia discussed, but they are more so used to display the outlook society had especially during that time.
this is not a book of much plot, we are there to be shown a brink of these characters and their every day lives but mostly haskel, who is ironically the main character of the story.
it has lgbtq+ representation but also slightly shows a picture of how these women protect each other in a different way rather than the typical "physically strong" protagonist role. if you're looking for action, you won't get it here and you also won't get something too dark or deep.
so if you like beautiful writing, a quick read to breeze through, interesting characters to keep you engaged without going into too much character work, lgbtq+ representation (specifically lesbian romance), a whimsical element that makes the story have a slight touch of magic despite being in the real world, then you will probably like this book.
keep in mind this is a historical book which means there's subjects like homophobia and transphobia discussed, but they are more so used to display the outlook society had especially during that time.
this is not a book of much plot, we are there to be shown a brink of these characters and their every day lives but mostly haskel, who is ironically the main character of the story.
it has lgbtq+ representation but also slightly shows a picture of how these women protect each other in a different way rather than the typical "physically strong" protagonist role. if you're looking for action, you won't get it here and you also won't get something too dark or deep.
so if you like beautiful writing, a quick read to breeze through, interesting characters to keep you engaged without going into too much character work, lgbtq+ representation (specifically lesbian romance), a whimsical element that makes the story have a slight touch of magic despite being in the real world, then you will probably like this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Sexism, Transphobia, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship and Domestic abuse
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