Reviews

The Dove in the Belly by Jim Grimsley

julie_responsibly's review

challenging emotional hopeful informative slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This reads like it was written in the 1970s (when it takes place) which in some ways feels really unique. The pacing is slower, and because it isn't following the almost formulaic beats of YA these days, and takes place in a more uniformly homophobic world than our present one, you aren't actually sure where it's going - which is nice. It also provides a window into what it was like to be gay and closeted in the 1970s, and how hard it could be to navigate relationships and think about your future when being in a public and committed relationship with someone of the same gender was unusual. 

What felt un-YAish to me was Ben's homophobia and violence. It felt realistic, and yet there was a power differential there that I never got comfortable with. Ronnie had total Giving Tree vibes. I guess I'm struggling with how borderline abusive and scary Ben was.

Why did Ronnie have to be there for Ben in all the ways Ben needed him to be - stay away, be there, let me fuck you, don't try to contact me, how dare you have dinner with anyone else, while Ronnie wasn't allowed to expect anything from Ben?

I feel like if this were a modern heterosexual relationship in a book it would be eviscerated a lá Colleen Hoover for romanticizing a controlling, manipulative and unequal relationship. But it probably was how a lot of relationships were in the 70s gay or straight...  I guess what I'm struggling with is how this book is being marketed as a love story when that feels really problematic. I want to see all kinds of messy relationships not just unrealistically perfect ones in YA, but I do think when you're writing for the teen market, even if you're being realistic for the time period, you have to be aware of what of what messages you're sending.

kaicoze's review

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.75

poopfart7734's review

5.0

wow, just wow

donnyeatsbooks's review

challenging emotional hopeful reflective sad fast-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

5.0

My favorite kinds of stories are those that drop you into their worlds, at very particular moments in the characters’ lives, and let you live with them for a little while. In ‘The Dove in the Belly,’ Ronny and Ben are conflicted lovers who explore their identities in a world that denies them and ultimately find themselves in each other. It’s somber and sweet, and intensely moving, tackling themes of love and loss, and the essence of being. Jim Grimsley’s prose is powerful in its simplicity and his depiction of the young, gay experience hurts like a fresh wound. Just as I got to live with Ronny and Ben for a little while, I anticipate they’ll live with me for even longer.

kittiesss's review

emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Homophobia

Minor: Self harm

samaraaax's review

5.0

can’t stop thinking about this book

victoriavelez18's review

emotional reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

cindie_kenei's review

reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.25

vionyx's review

emotional

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.0

jsncnrd's review against another edition

2.25

This book put me in a reading slump. I think it might’ve been the selfish characters and the relationship filled to the brim with gaslighting, emotional abuse and threats of violence.