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phoebemurtagh's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Classism, Misogyny, and Blood
Moderate: Suicide attempt and Violence
Minor: Alcohol, Vomit, Toxic relationship, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Antisemitism
pencilspeaker's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Graphic: Classism
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: Suicide attempt, Antisemitism, Murder, and Homophobia
ninjamuse's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Graphic: Classism
Moderate: Misogyny and Suicide attempt
Minor: Racial slurs
bookish_bry's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Truly this novel manages to hit almost all types of narrative conflict. There is man vs man of course since it is a detective novel where the main characters are tracking down a miscreant hiding in the shadows, but the narrative's real strength is in the man vs society and man vs self conflicts which are all supported by the actions of the bad actor in this book. The main villain really is just a foil for Harriet's own inner conflict over how she feels for Peter.
This complexity is something that many mystery novels miss the mark on, and it was a delightful introspective read between the quick and engaging action scenes. Despite the vast amounts of downtime, I don't think I was ever bored with the story as even if the characters weren't running around at night in pursuit, every scene seemed to contribute to the main point of the story and lead to the beautiful ending.
Graphic: Sexism
Moderate: Suicide attempt, Antisemitism, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
This book was written pre-WWII in an academic setting when the concept of eugenics was often seen more as a valid academic perspective to hold and not a horrendous thing. As such, the topic comes up briefly a few times and there is a reference to "what Germany is doing."caribbeangirlreading's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
P.S. - Every single one and one and two-star review in GR has perfectly articulated how I feel about this novel.
Graphic: Classism and Sexism
Moderate: Bullying, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Car accident
The intellectual and academic elitism are over-the-top.pedanther's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: Suicide attempt