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adam_nie's review
4.75
First, the positive. With "Above Us The Milky Way", Karimi has spun her family's history of tragedy and transformation into a spellbinding fairytale which leverages the full power of her talents as a visual artist. This book produces grief and amazement in turn. Each picture is worth a thousand words. The five sisters are a revelation. Karimi plays with form without obscuring the human heart of her story. Her vignettes strike lightning.
The worst thing I can say about this book, and the only reason I haven't given it five stars, is that Karimi's long-form explorations alphabet and star symbology don't always serve the core narrative. Some do, of course, but whenever I hit a passage of symbolism for its own sake I found myself impatient to get back. Your mileage may vary. In another book her chunks of symbolism would be easily the best part. Karimi deserves to explore those symbols as she sees fit. To her credit, she does invite readers to jump around at will.
The worst thing I can say about this book, and the only reason I haven't given it five stars, is that Karimi's long-form explorations alphabet and star symbology don't always serve the core narrative. Some do, of course, but whenever I hit a passage of symbolism for its own sake I found myself impatient to get back. Your mileage may vary. In another book her chunks of symbolism would be easily the best part. Karimi deserves to explore those symbols as she sees fit. To her credit, she does invite readers to jump around at will.
becinneverland's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Murder, War, Death, Violence, and Grief
taylorthiel's review
5.0
I read this a while ago and it wasn’t on GoodReads but then I FOUND IT. this book is a) the prettiest book I’ve ever owned b) one of the most lyrical and magical. Well worth the time it takes to read. one of my top 10 of all time.
sabrinaisreading's review
5.0
Probably the most unique book I’ve ever read. Dreamy, morbid, beautiful. Exists in its own world.
sabraerob's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
anna__b's review
Very beautiful prose and an interesting concept but I’m just not feeling myself driven to finish it. I think it’s just a little too meandering and I’m not in the mood. Might return to this someday.
katyliz's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-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? It's complicated
3.75
It took me a little bit to get in the groove of the author's writing style. I listened to the audiobook, and I think I would've preferred seeing how the story was laid out on the page instead. But once I got the hang of it, this was a really beautifully told story about strength through resilience and finding beauty even in horrific situations.