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A review by schnaucl
The Spare Man by Mary Robinette Kowal
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I really enjoyed this book. I believe it's a standalone, but I would absolutely read more novels with these compelling characters.
Nearly all the characters introduce themselves with their preferred pronouns, and those that don't are considered exceptionally rude. It's both a little jarring and exactly how you hope it will be in the future. It also makes me wonder if readers in the future will find all the books where people don't do that equally jarring. Insults that are gendered are called out in way I don't typically see, or think about.
The books also deals with socioeconomic class and people who are comfortable who grew up with wealth and people who didn't that reminded me of that line Mad Men's Betty Draper says about Don not understanding money.
I'm not a drinker, but I liked the drink recipes that start each chapter, and Gimlet, is of course, a delight.
Definitely read all of the author's notes at the end.
Nearly all the characters introduce themselves with their preferred pronouns, and those that don't are considered exceptionally rude. It's both a little jarring and exactly how you hope it will be in the future. It also makes me wonder if readers in the future will find all the books where people don't do that equally jarring. Insults that are gendered are called out in way I don't typically see, or think about.
The books also deals with socioeconomic class and people who are comfortable who grew up with wealth and people who didn't that reminded me of that line Mad Men's Betty Draper says about Don not understanding money.
I'm not a drinker, but I liked the drink recipes that start each chapter, and Gimlet, is of course, a delight.
Definitely read all of the author's notes at the end.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Classism, Death, Police brutality, and Murder