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A review by badmom
The Bittlemores by Jann Arden
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
An interesting premise offering multiple points of view - including quirky bits with astute farm animals a la Charlotte’s Web. The pacing is good overall though some parts seem startlingly abrupt while others feel unnecessarily detailed. The characters felt thin & predictable despite some hints at backstory that would have been enriching & more satisfying if deepened. The tone was uneven, switching from dark & disturbing to wistful and even whimsical at times, which unfortunately shook me out of the story. I appreciated the imaginative plot and the elaborate scope but there was ultimately a lot more telling than showing in many places.
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Physical abuse, Violence, Kidnapping, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Alcoholism, Miscarriage, Blood, Grief, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Gun violence, Misogyny, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, Dementia, Death of parent, Abandonment, and Classism