★ 3.5 stars ★

content warnings:

Spoiler

bullying, fatphobia, homophobia, mentioned past suicide attempt, non-explicit sexual content, mentioned infidelity

rep:

Spoiler

Dhruhástranian emigrant MCs [Harriet & Margot], bi/pan MC [Harriet], Black major characters [Kerchevals], hard-of-hearing major character [Rémy], Romani secondary character [Kenzilea], F/F relationships, mentioned M/M relationship

Some parts of this — i.e., most of

Spoiler

Harriet's story as told to Perdita

and

Spoiler

the ending reveal

— were 4+ stars while other parts were 2-3 stars. I particularly appreciated the varied and distinct character relationships and atmospheric worldbuilding (which includes themes and concepts),

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CONVERSION: 9.93 / 15 = 3.5 stars

Prose: 5 / 10
Characters & Relationships: 8 / 10
Emotional Impact: 7 / 10
Development / Flow: 6 / 10
Setting: 7 / 10

Intellectual Engagement: 3 / 5
Originality / Trope Execution: 4 / 5
Memorability: 3 / 5