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rickjones 's review for:
Everything Inside
by Edwidge Danticat
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This collection of short stories holds a diverse range of narratives where the characters are united in their origination from Haiti, but not much else. Their stories are moving, terrifying, heart-wrenching and continuously honest and thoughtful. Within the book, Danticat explored the innermost feelings and most significant experiences of people from all ages and walks of life. I was never sure what to expect when a new story began, but upon its conclusion I felt one world after another had been pried open for me to glance inside and reflect upon without judgement. I appreciated that most of these characters were flawed but written realistically as people trying to survive a world that presents us with infinite imperfect options. I look forward to reading more from Danticat, and would encourage others to explore her storytelling too.
Moderate: Child death, Death, Infidelity, Xenophobia, Medical content, Dementia, Kidnapping, Grief, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, Classism