trickybrit's reviews
350 reviews

Really enjoyed this mix of Korean folklore, futurism, and drama. Heartbreak, abuse, loss, tradition versus modernity. Good stuff.

I gave up just over half way through this book. While it may be compelling as a whodunit, I grew too disgusted by the pervasive ableism, misinformation and horrifying ideas about autism in this book. The autistic characters lack humanity, with the story centered around their ableist mothers who seem in perpetual competition over who has the most burdensome disabled child. I kept hoping for some pro autistic perspective or counterview, but got nothing. In fact, the small group of mothers that actually defend the autistic children are portrayed as looney and tedious — ironically, akin to how anti-vaxxers act in real life. They are referred to simply as “the protesters”.

Autism is a neurotype, is not “worse than cancer”, and does not need to be cured. If this is your basic understanding of autism, this book is not for you either.

I really enjoyed Sisters of the Lost Nation and was very excited to read this. Indian Burial Ground is another great book, navigating tragic and strange activities happening present day and looking to the past to make sense of them. I appreciated the weaving together of Indigenous folklore with the real-life horrors of poverty and addiction.

I found the pacing a bit uneven at times, and this is certainly a more character-driven book; but the last third/quarter of this book was captivating. Will definitely continue to follow this author’s work.

3.5 / 4.0 stars. Love this collabo because I feel like it gives insight on the trans experience to a demographic that may not otherwise have or seek access to it. Jenny Boylan is such a gift.