A review by mcks_picks
Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson

challenging emotional hopeful reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This novel was taut. It is told quickly and efficiently without losing character dynamics or depth. However, I only thought the story itself was okay. I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would. The idea itself seems tired, and while the narrative was told in a way that seemed new, I felt that the overall feeling was trite. Yet, Woodson’s characters are quite remarkable. They are well-developed and have emotional depth that jumps off the page and allows readers to really feel like they understand the character’s world and life. Overall, I liked it well-enough, but it wasn’t as stunning as I expected it to be.