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A review by kathleendayle
Boy, Snow, Bird by Helen Oyeyemi
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
In concept, SUCH a fascinating idea. In execution, poorly done. The story felt disjointed, and characters inadequately developed. Because there wasn’t enough differentiation in characters’ voices, I found it difficult to keep all the names and relationships straight. The plot twist felt like it came out of absolutely nowhere (but not in a good way). I wanted to like this book, wanted it to be a novel exploration of race and colorism entwined with a modern retelling of a classic fairy tale, but mostly I just felt confused the whole way through.
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Child abuse, Racism, Gaslighting, Physical abuse, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Domestic abuse, Transphobia, Deadnaming, and Rape