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stories's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-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
4.0
I really enjoyed this.
What do you do when you’re dropped from the top of the school’s social ladder to the bottom in the blink of an eye?
Unpacking prejudice and examine societal expectations through the eyes of a mixed race Swazi girl at boarding school.
Finding yourself and finding the courage to be true to that self, rather than following the perceived expectations of what makes a “good girl” or the unachievable targets of living “beyond your status”.
Some stunning integration of Swazi pride and a thoughtful finish that reflects the internal and eternal themes.
Special shout-out to repetitive echoes that highlight Adele’s character growth across the novel.
Features infidelity and nudity, but not sufficiently that I think it would be an issue for 5/6. See also apartheid-level racism, corporal punishment, bullying and classism.
What do you do when you’re dropped from the top of the school’s social ladder to the bottom in the blink of an eye?
Unpacking prejudice and examine societal expectations through the eyes of a mixed race Swazi girl at boarding school.
Finding yourself and finding the courage to be true to that self, rather than following the perceived expectations of what makes a “good girl” or the unachievable targets of living “beyond your status”.
Some stunning integration of Swazi pride and a thoughtful finish that reflects the internal and eternal themes.
Special shout-out to repetitive echoes that highlight Adele’s character growth across the novel.
Features infidelity and nudity, but not sufficiently that I think it would be an issue for 5/6. See also apartheid-level racism, corporal punishment, bullying and classism.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Car accident, Racism, and Classism
Moderate: Colonisation, Death, Gun violence, Ableism, Classism, Grief, Child death, Racial slurs, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Death of parent, Bullying, Adult/minor relationship, Mental illness, Rape, and Infidelity
cozylifewithabby's review against another edition
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Middle Grade/YA book about two girls from different socioeconomic classes who bond over a semester at a Christian boarding school in Swaziland.
This book dealt with some tough topics that open up discussion around poverty, mental illness, violence, and class structures. The descriptions were not overly graphic, but I am not sure what age group I would recommend this book to. Great character development for the main character though.
This book dealt with some tough topics that open up discussion around poverty, mental illness, violence, and class structures. The descriptions were not overly graphic, but I am not sure what age group I would recommend this book to. Great character development for the main character though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Racism
Moderate: Animal death, Death of parent, Bullying, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Sexual assault, and Antisemitism
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