I can see why this is so critically acclaimed and popular, but I personally don't "get" the appeal; it's not bad, necessarily, just very much not for me.

The non-linear narrative confused me almost to the point of apathy, and I honestly couldn't figure out why certain elements were included. The sex scenes seemed gratuitous. None of the characters really moved me to sympathy, though some evoked a bit of pity, and others a bit of anger. Overall, this was just not a reading experience for me — though at least I can now say I tried, I guess.

content warnings:

Spoiler

internalized & external/societal racism/colorism, racist slurs (n-word, g*psy), graphic sexual content, rape, sexual assault & harassment, incest, pedophilia, domestic abuse, slut-shaming, bullying, infant death, animal abuse (cat), animal death (dog, deliberately poisoned)

rep:

Spoiler

Black MCs, biracial minor character(s)

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CONVERSION: 5.87 / 15 = 2 stars

Prose: 7 / 10
Characters & Relationships: 2 / 10
Emotional Impact: 1 / 10
Development / Flow: 2 / 10
Setting: 4 / 10

Diversity & Social Themes: 4 / 5
Intellectual Engagement: 3 / 5
Originality / Trope Execution: N/A
Rereadability: 1 / 5
Memorability: N/A