Reviews tagging 'Rape'

Seraph on the Suwanee by Zora Neale Hurston

3 reviews

maia_papaya's review against another edition

reflective sad slow-paced

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

3.75

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Rape, Racism, and Ableism

emily_mai's review

emotional funny hopeful sad slow-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

The book explores sexuality, intimacy and communication between genders. I didn’t love where the plot went sometimes, but every turn felt realistic and believable. Very well written, felt easy and enjoyable to read but the content was still nuanced. Really cool experience reading this after Gone with The Wind. Some super similar themes but different perspectives—would highly recommend

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Rape

When the main characters first go under the tree in the backyard, Jim rapes Arvay. It’s described in enough detail to be disturbing but not excessive. The rape is central to the plot, and I felt the author used it respectfully and truthfully. If you want to skip it, all you really need to know is that after Jim rapes her (and it’s definitely a rape, she definitely does not want it and is scared), Arvay suddenly wants Jim and then they have consensual sex. It was a powerful moment of sexual awakening, betrayal, and powerlessness for her.

megannewsome's review against another edition

emotional reflective 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

If you're like me and not usually drawn to "love stories," especially ones with antiquated gender roles and such, please trust in Hurston's skill with a pen. The first ~30 pages had me pretty skeptical as I was so bored with Arvay's damsel nature, and certainly annoyed with Jim's brutishness. It's bad enough to read about a man doing sexist things but it's really frustrating when the woman embraces many aspects of sexism, putting herself down, as well. But sure enough I was pulled in. I realized the tale being told, the growth for which they were set up, and the power in the ways that their attitudes *don't* change by the end of the book. Not to mention all the other characters and tales along the way. A really captivating read that, personally, made me feel closer to my home of Florida just as "Their Eyes Were Watching God" did.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Rape

Minor: Rape