Did you know that visiting New Orleans has always been a dream of mine? One day I’ll go there, stay for a month, eat fabulous food, listen to their goDid you know that visiting New Orleans has always been a dream of mine? One day I’ll go there, stay for a month, eat fabulous food, listen to their gorgeous dialects and enjoy the music and the flavorful air. In the meantime, though, my very favorite thing are books set in New Orleans that give me a sense of its gorgeous atmosphere, no matter how brief. Chloe Neill’s Devil’s Isle books show us a different New Orleans, a city forever changed by magic and fear. Still, the author succeeded in keeping the best of the city’s spirit and in turning her chosen setting into yet another character, very much alive in every scene.
We reunite with Claire Connolly weeks after the battle that separated her from Liam. Having used magic out in the open, she must hide from the authorities or she risks ending up at Devil’s Isle, the very place she’s worked so hard to avoid. Surrendering her shop is very difficult for Claire, but she has a more important mission now, and she’s willing to risk almost anything to fight for what’s right.
Wounded by Liam’s abandonment and yet trying to be as understanding as possible, Clair works with her allies to help those on Devil’s Isle and bring necessary supplies to people who care for them. Claire is a strong, serious woman, not one for too much snark. She cares deeply and doesn’t hesitate to risk herself for those she loves, even when they might not want her around. She learns things about her past in this book, things that would be hard for any person, and yet she displays bravery and determination while facing challenge after emotional challenge.
When Liam does show up, it becomes clear (if it wasn’t before) that the two are meant for each other, but the trust between them is damaged. Claire has abandonment issues and a very good reason for them and Liam did the only thing she has a hard time forgiving. I was equally mad at him and sad for him in this book, but the second Claire forgives him completely, so will I.
Compared to her previous series. Chloe Neill kept all the best things in her writing, clarity being the most important among them, and lost all those issues I remember from her early work. There is an undeniable maturity in these books that simply wasn’t present before and the quality of her storytelling far surpasses her previous books. It’s easy to see how she grows and learn with each book she writes. I trust her to take us along for the ride.
Inspired by JD Robb and other legends of romantic suspense, the very versatile Amy Lane decided to pen her very own series of romance and action, withInspired by JD Robb and other legends of romantic suspense, the very versatile Amy Lane decided to pen her very own series of romance and action, with a pair of competent, resourceful and deeply damaged protagonists at its center. The deeply damaged, in this case, applies to one half of the couple – Jackson Rivers – the former policeman who was, years ago, betrayed and abandoned by his department, his colleagues, and everyone else that was supposed to protect him.
We first met Jackson and Ellery last year in Fish Out of Water. A year between books is a very long time to wait, but it might be necessary to heal our poor hearts from all the pain Jackson puts us through. Red Fish, Dead Fish picks up more or less where the first book left off, and it promptly delves into the consequences of their first case together. Jackson is wounded inside and out and he’s seemingly recuperating, but he is skittish, vulnerable and slow to commit to Ellery, no matter how much the handsome lawyer wants him to. The guys are still struggling to understand the true depths of the case and they have a tough time getting law enforcement to believe them. While they investigate, the serial killer sets his sights on them in return and does irreparable damage to Jackson’s already fragile psyche.
I realize Jackson is the intended star of this book (even with couples someone is usually at the forefront), but I love Ellery even more. His no nonsense, steady approach to life is very appealing. He never allows himself to be pushed around or pushed away, but he is gentle even when he’s firm. He is the very definition of reliable and I adore him for it.
Red Fish, Dead Fish contains references to Racing for the Sun, Amy’s 2013 novel which I, unfortunately, haven’t read. Because of the links and explanations, the plot becomes somewhat convoluted for a time, but it clears up when the focus turns back to Jackson and Ellery’s personal struggles. Those who haven’t read Racing for the Sun might just have to power through as I did. In my opinion, connecting the two burdened this book unnecessarily.
There are four short stories at the end that I regret not having read first. They would have made the convoluted parts easier to swallow. Anyone delving into this should go in that order and make life easier on themselves. That said, this series is a must read for fans of the genre who don’t mind reading about flawed, reticent men in love.
In conclusion, Red Fish, Dead Fish is another success from an author who doesn’t know how to offer anything less.
From the critically acclaimed author of The Fifth Season comes a follow up novel that will thrill every old fan and attract many new ones into this faFrom the critically acclaimed author of The Fifth Season comes a follow up novel that will thrill every old fan and attract many new ones into this fabulous world of seismic catastrophes and magic. N.K. Jemisin put her considerable experience to good use and created a sequel worthy of all the awards that now shine on the cover of its predecessor. The Obelisk Gate is a symphony, a literary achievement that will endure the test of time.
This second book brings with it a slight shift in genre, taking us from straight up fantasy to a blend between fantasy, dystopia and post-apocalyptic science fiction with paranormal elements. Jemisin blends all this variety perfectly, with a very clear idea where she wants to take it. The world expands even more, the many sides of the conflict are more visible, but there are still mysteries to unravel and many more surprises ahead.
The narrative voice itself finally reveals itself towards the end of the book, and it brings with it astonishment and plenty of speculation. In fact, everything Jemisin does has hidden meanings and many possible consequences and each new revelation brings forth the fact that no one is safe and not many will be spared.
New characters are introduced, but the old ones shine. There are such complex relationships and emotions, sometimes very difficult to process or even understand. Essun’s fight for her daughter, the one she didn’t quite know how to love; Nassun’s rebellion against a mother she sees as cold and even cruel; Alabaster’s fight against nature itself, Jija’s waffling between affection and deep hatred towards his only daughter; the stone eaters’ motivations; and, above all, Shaffa’s repentance and change. It’s all such a complicated tangle of deeply flawed people and imperfect motivations that we mostly struggle to understand where any of them coming from.
Essun and Alabaster are without a doubt the highest point of this book, the odd dynamic between them warming our hearts even when they show each other nothing but cruelty. The reluctant family they’ve built, now down to just the two of them, was more important than Essun ever wanted to admit. There is such unfathomable pain between them, but there is still love that sparks, true friendship that endures despite the odds.
Overall, even with two more books to go, The Broken Earth series can already be considered the very best of its kind, a celebration of the art of literature with superb characterization, almost unparalleled diversity and a story that will continue keep us all on the edge of our seats.
4.5 stars After a hugely successful dystopian trilogy and her standalone exploration of insanity in a historical setting, Mindy McGinnis delves into a 4.5 stars After a hugely successful dystopian trilogy and her standalone exploration of insanity in a historical setting, Mindy McGinnis delves into a new territory with The Female of the Species, which is perhaps best described a hyper-realistic contemporary examination of teenage life, human resilience and revenge. It’s a bold, daring book that shoves hard realities right into our faces, making no effort to soften the blows or make us feel better along the way. Those who are a bit more sensitive to drugs and violence in young adult books might have a hard time reading it, but in truth, the pain and heartbreak, the shock and outrage are so worth your time and trouble with this book.
The Female of the Species is an exploration of humanity at its best and at its worst, with no hiding or sugarcoating whatsoever. McGinnis’ teens have sex, they cheat, bully and take drugs, they live with no thought for tomorrow or their own safety. Sexual violence, date-rapes and slut-shaming all happen on a daily basis, perhaps not always visible, but lurking under the surface nevertheless. McGinnis does a fantastic job of bringing to light things we’d like to keep hidden. As a policeman points out during a school assembly, one in three girls and one in six boys are sexually assaulted in high school, but the statistics mean nothing until we give them names and faces. McGinnis gives us names on both sides of the fence, she gives us characters to care about and exposes them to more than enough to incite our anger.
The female of the species is more deadly than the male. The female defends, she protects herself and others. When pushed to her limits, she becomes quietly deadly, a force that shows no mercy while fighting for those who can’t fight for themselves. This story is told from three perspectives: Jack, the popular boy; Peekay, the preacher’s kid, and Alex, the girl with the dead sister, the female of the species in the truest sense. Each of them somehow represents one conflicting, primal part in each of us. Peekay represents the kind, innocent part that still believes people are inherently good. Jack is that constant fight between right and wrong, he represents the choices each of us make daily trying to do what’s right. Alex is the most hidden part, the part that screams for justice and revenge, that violence that hides in everyone, tempered and suffocated by societal norms and expectations.
Make no mistake, this book will open your eyes and shatter your heart, and if you by any chance, have a preadolescent child like I do, it will leave you terrified of the future. This may be a gritty and grim portrayal of teenage life, but it’s painfully honest and necessary, designed to make us question gender stereotypes, the way we assign blame and the abnormal behaviors we take for granted.
The Female of the Species is a hard book to read, but a great one to absorb and take to heart. I have to applaud McGinnis for approaching these topics in a way that will surely stand out and remain vividly emblazoned in our minds, hopefully leaving us slightly more aware than we were before picking it up.
The first thing you need to know if and when you decide to read Revenge and the Wild is that it will be the most fun you’ll have in ages. Ent4.5 stars
The first thing you need to know if and when you decide to read Revenge and the Wild is that it will be the most fun you’ll have in ages. Entertainment is pretty much guaranteed, regardless of your usual reading preferences. For a book that refuses to be labeled or in any way categorized, Revenge and the Wild is pretty universally lovable. I challenge you to be grumpy while reading it.
The second thing you need to know if you’re a curious sort of person is that you need to throw your expectations right out the window. With a 16-year-old one-armed alcoholic for a heroine, you’ll certainly be in for a few surprises. And when I say alcoholic, I don’t just mean a drink here and there at parties – I really mean nasty, belching drunk prone to fits of rage and unseemly behavior.
For all the entertainment it provides, Revenge and the Wild offers a surprisingly deep characterization and great emotional moments. Westie was left alone as a child when her family (and her arm) were eaten by cannibals. She was saved and adopted by a famous inventor, who created a mechanical arm for her and raised her as his own. Westie has never given up on finding the cannibals who killed her parents so when they show up in her small, protected town pretending to be rich and civilized, it’s a pretty big challenge for her family and her addictive personality.
Revenge and the Wild is a fantastic blend of paranormal steampunk with elements of horror. There’s something in it for everyone, and yet it doesn’t seem crowded and it works surprisingly well. Modesto pulled out all the stops with her worldbuilding by creating a colorful setting that can be enjoyed from the very first page. The only thing missing were dragons, everything else was already there. She did the same with romance, which seemed honest from the start, despite many roadblocks. I love romances that develop from years of friendship, especially those that are a bit weird and quirky on top of that. Westie and Alistair seemed perfect for each other from the start.
Overall, Revenge and the Wild is quite a surprise and perhaps not entirely suitable for readers with delicate sensibilities. Since I most certainly am not one of those (the nastier the better, as far as I’m concerned), I’ll be keeping my eye on Michelle Modesto, hoping to get another one of her wonderfully wicked adventures very soon.
4.5 stars Like a River Glorious, Rae Carson’s fifth novel and the second book in her Gold Seer trilogy, cements her status as one of the best, most rel4.5 stars Like a River Glorious, Rae Carson’s fifth novel and the second book in her Gold Seer trilogy, cements her status as one of the best, most reliable authors of YA fiction. Her long string of literary successes without a single glitch shows us that we can indeed trust an author to always deliver and constantly stay at the top of her game.
Walk on Earth a Stranger left Lee and her friends finally in California, trying to find a good settlement and put down roots. The losses they’d suffered along the way left an indelible mark on all of them. Some are strong enough to recover, and some decide that safety is more valuable than any amount of gold. Those who remain, Lee and Jefferson among them, are a tight-knit group, practically a family, and only the danger caused by Lee’s powers has the ability to tear them apart.
As a non-American, I didn’t know much about the fate of Native Americans during California Gold Rush. The abhorrent treatment shown in this book might be a bit exaggerated, but likely not by much. Lee has to face a very ugly reality in her uncle’s mine, both towards Native American and the Chinese. With Jeff and Tom by her side, she has to move past sympathizing and come up with a way to save not only herself, but all those slaves as well.
Leah’s witchy ability to sense gold is explored more and constantly developed in this book. She grows along with it and becomes braver and more open about what she can do. It’s a dangerous secret, but Lee and Jefferson finally have a large family to share it with, people they can trust to always have their backs, even when the risk is too great for them all.
Henry and Tom, two of our “confirmed bachelors”, play a more important role in this book. Their relationship could be considered queerbaiting if not for the historical context. As it is, theirs is a kind of don’t ask, don’t tell situation, but I’m hoping for a more open approach in the final book, at least among the folks in Glory. If they can handle a witchy girl who can sense gold, they can surely handle two gay men being a bit less discreet about their relationship.
The book has a brilliant, well-rounded ending that could be quite enough for most readers, even without the final part of the trilogy. Knowing a third book is coming makes me equal parts excited and afraid for Lee and her people at Glory, California. Apparently there’s still a difficult road ahead of her and with the way things are going, the final part might just be the best of them all.
Cat Winters’ books are always such things of beauty, and The Steep and Thorny Way is no exception. The quality of her prose and the depth of her reseaCat Winters’ books are always such things of beauty, and The Steep and Thorny Way is no exception. The quality of her prose and the depth of her research can only be compared to Ruta Sepetys, at least as far as historical YA goes.
Inspired heavily by Shakespeare’s Hamlet, The Steep and Thorny Way is a strong enough book to stand entirely on its own and avoid any predictability. While she does use Hamlet’s themes in what could be considered a retelling (the death of protagonist’s father, potential murderer married to mother, plans of revenge), Winters doesn’t rely too heavily on them and constantly adds her own little twists.
The book starts with dramatis personae, there to remind us right away that The Steep and Thorny way is connected to another work. The mystery of Hank Denney’s death is at the forefront from the very beginning. Hanalee’s father was black and her mother is white, their marriage unrecognized in the state of Oregon in 1923. Hanalee mourns her father and dislikes her stepfather, the white town doctor who married her mother the second it could be considered appropriate.
The Ku Klux Klan was strong in Oregon at that time and Hanalee would undoubtedly have been a target. Racial injustice was far stronger in these rural environments than in places like Washington. The Klan was semi-public, seemingly an anti-Christian organization, but really anti everything that wasn’t white and male. Like with her previous books, Winters found a way to shed light on a historical subject, but also to connect problems of that time with issues we still struggle with today. Racism isn’t the only thing our Hanalee struggles with. As a biracial young woman with ambitions, she dreams about becoming a lawyer and marrying whomever she chooses, which seems to be out of her reach.
Through the preacher’s son, a young man accused of Hank’s murder, Winters also sheds light on LGBT issues of that time. Joe was possibly the only person who suffered more injustice than Hanalee, at least once he was discovered kissing a boy in his father’s car. Although his problems aren’t anything new, seeing him through Hanalee’s eyes certainly was. Her initial disgust was rooted in ignorance, and her change of views that came after talking to him and really thinking about him was wonderful.
It could be said that Winters tried to do just a bit too much this time. She is known for adding paranormal elements to her work, and a retelling of Hamlet certainly requires a restless ghost or two, but I sometimes felt that it could have been a stronger book without it. With the Ku Klux Klan and the LGBT themes so strong, there was enough going on even without the paranormal mystery. Nevertheless, a copy of this book needs to be in every house and read by every teenager. There is so much to learn through a connection with these characters.
4.5 stars Behind the Throne, K. B. Wagers’ sci-fi debut, fell into my hands after much praise from some of my most trusted peers. To describe my experi4.5 stars Behind the Throne, K. B. Wagers’ sci-fi debut, fell into my hands after much praise from some of my most trusted peers. To describe my experience with it as love at first chapter would not be an exaggeration at all. Discovering books like it and pushing them at unsuspecting readers is why I took up blogging in the first place. It gives me great pleasure to share my delight over this title with all of you.
Behind the Throne starts with a bang and continues in an unrelenting pace. It is set in a distant future, on one of many human colonies in space. The Indranan Empire relies somewhat on our reality, namely Indian culture and beliefs, but it’s really present only in traces that allow us to connect more easily. Although it neatly falls into the science fiction category, the first Indranan War book reads a lot like fantasy, which is to be expected considering the atmosphere and the political intrigue.
I’ve seen Behind the Throne compared to books like Queen of the Tearling, but the comparisons are vastly unfair. Although I enjoyed the first Tearling book, Behind the Throne is a much better work in every aspect, starting with the quality of writing and ending with the protagonist. Hailimi is a heroine like no other – tough, ruthless and sharp-witted. As the runaway daughter of the Indranan Empress, she wants nothing to do with the throne, but when the responsibility falls on her, she accepts it and does a fantastic job of it. She can be soft, kind, and even insecure, but she rises to every challenge and constantly displays an air of not-so-quiet confidence. It’s rare to find a protagonist like her, unapologetic and confident in every situation.
Hailimi isn’t a heroine that prevaricates or dawdles in any given situation. She chooses her course swiftly and decidedly and she follows through until the end. She accepts and even follows advice of her trusted guards, but in the end, she is aware of her own worth and confident in her abilities. These days it’s tough to find a heroine like her, someone who doesn’t doubt herself on every step of the way. I could see myself following someone like her blindly and even dying to protect her, for the good of the Empire.
Wagers does an equally excellent job with her side characters. A lot of love and effort was put into Emmory, the leader of Hail’s guard. His partner was equally well crafted and the two together provided much needed physical and emotional support for our heroine. There are several others that stood out, the most complex being the empress-mother herself.
Hailimi falls into the snake pit that is her mother’s court as the only remaining hope for the empire. She wants nothing to do with it, but she suddenly has to play if she is to save her family’s legacy. There are so many obstacles ahead of her and very few people she can trust. The plots to undermine her are complex and very well done, with enemies coming from all sides and friends ready to betray when least expected. While the book is strongest in characterization, plotting doesn’t fall behind, and all of it is laced with a wicked sense of humor that makes even the biggest tragedies bearable.
Behind the Throne needs little help for me since its success is practically guaranteed. Word of mouth is still the best way to sell a book, and this one will make a fan of anyone who touches it. Trust me when I tell you it will make a fan out of you, too.
Eli Easton’s books have always been a special treat for me. I love how deceptively simple her romances can be, how easy it is for her to pu
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Eli Easton’s books have always been a special treat for me. I love how deceptively simple her romances can be, how easy it is for her to pull me in, how realistic her characters always seem and how genuine the emotions between them appear to be. I can be quite nitpicky when it comes to my favorite romance authors, but Easton has never given me any reason for complaint. Second Harvest warmed my heart and made me really feel the love.
Our two heroes are the farthest thing from reckless youth. They have both lived a dozen lives and been through so much. By the time they meet, they are tired of their circumstances and ready for a change, even if they don’t dare to truly wish for it. Christie has been doing the bar scene for years and the shine has truly worn off. He wants someone to come home to, someone to finally love and cherish, and he’s certain he won’t find that in a club. As a Mennonite, David won’t even acknowledge his feelings for other men, and as a 41-year old widower with two grown up kids, he’s just about ready to give up on life.
David lives in a rural, primarily Mennonite area, but Easton doesn’t develop too much neighborhood drama. While it does rear its ugly head towards the end, this book is really a journey of discovery for these two men, a quiet, introspective story filled with life, love and demons within. Just like in life, there is no shortage of homophobes, but the true fight takes place inside David’s heart and mind.
As far as David’s religion goes, Easton takes an unexpected path. I’ve read several books lately about deeply religious gay men and I thought that’s what I’d be getting here, but really, David’s faith and his feelings about God weren’t at all exaggerated. In fact, the subtle approach to this sensitive subject is perhaps my favorite thing about this book. I also loved his relationship with both his children, even (or especially) when it was hard.
This is the beginning of a series, but I can’t even imagine where Easton might go with the second book. Whichever direction it takes, I’m already looking forward to it.
It’s always so good to be back with our Charley. Even after ten books, she’s still such a breath of fresh air and she always makes us laugh. There’s bIt’s always so good to be back with our Charley. Even after ten books, she’s still such a breath of fresh air and she always makes us laugh. There’s been a lot of heartbreak in her life lately, but she always manages to stay upbeat and spread sarcasm wherever she turns. It could be the ADD, or maybe she’s just certifiably insane. Either way, it works for her, and it definitely works for us.
Charley is working on one of those cases only she could possibly solve. Emery Adams is dead, her fiancé accused of murder in what appears to be a slam dunk case. However, Charley is less than convinced, and so are Emery’s friends and family. The mystery takes some time to unravel, especially for an investigator with ADD, but as usual, it’s a good one. In addition, Charley stumbles upon a young homeless girl with a curse. If she is to save the girl’s life, she has to dig out the truth about a group home called Harbor House. Cookie is there to help, of course, but even then it’s a race against time.
The worlds of Charley Davidson (and there are now many) are becoming complicated. The number of her enemies and allies both is constantly growing. Now that some of her allies are guarding Beep, though, new people are showing up to fill in for them. I can never get enough of Darynda’s secondary characters, starting with Cookie and ending with Pari the tattoo artist. Fortunately, both of them get plenty of page time in this book.
I’m afraid I also have to address a pet peeve of mine, which takes up a lot of this book. For such a strong, practically destined couple, Charley and Reyes spend very little time actually talking to each other. In fact, most of their marriage is a series of ridiculous misunderstandings, made that much more difficult by Charley’s tendency to hide things and investigate behind Reyes’ back. She is the queen of wrong conclusions, and his avoidance techniques certainly don’t help. Fortunately for them, a wicked game of Twister can solve a lot, and the rest kind of takes care of itself.
Without another word, he stepped forward, and while still holding a plate in each hand, he bent down and put his mouth on mine. I raised half-closed fists to his chest and melted into him. Most of me did, anyway. Some of me melted into my panties.
I’m not sure how many more books we’ll be getting about Charley, but a spin-off is definitely in the works. All the signs are there, and while I’m sure no one could ever replace our Charley, her daughter at least deserves a chance to try.
Natalie C. Parker’s Behold the Bones came as an unexpected sequel/companion novel to her fabulous debute, Beware the Wild. Just like her first book, BNatalie C. Parker’s Behold the Bones came as an unexpected sequel/companion novel to her fabulous debute, Beware the Wild. Just like her first book, Behold the Bones takes place in Sticks, Lousiana, a town as slow and provincial as its symbolic name suggests. When you’re born so deep in the South, you accept heath and gossip as a way of life. Aside from the small town mentality, Sticks is burdened with the surrounding forest and its swamp with magical properties. In the previous book, we followed Sterling on her quest to find and save her brother from the magical swamp. This time we join her best friend Candace as she discovers her family’s connection with the town’s history and magic.
Candy is completely unlike Sterling in every way that counts. She is headstrong, defiant and difficult and she makes poor choices on every turn. She is angry with everyone around her, but most of all she is furious with life itself. Her only goal is to escape from her small town at first opportunity, somewhere she can be anonymous and free. The swamp, however, has other plans for Candy, even when it seems that Candy and magic are mutually exclusive.
I suppose one could say that there’s a romance in this book, but it’s really peripheral, not unimportant but secondary, and Candy doesn’t even understand her feelings until the very end. If you prefer your books heavy on the romance, this isn’t a good choice for you. But if your priority is a good story, preferably with a light romance or at least some hope, Behold the Bones might be the perfect choice.
Behold the Bones is creepy, atmospheric and strange. In other words, it’s a perfect read for fans of Brenna Yovanoff, Kendare Blake or Tessa Gratton, which I definitely am. Parker’s prose is precisely the lush, gorgeous experience I enjoy above all else. She is a wonderful author and whatever she decides to write next has my wholehearted support.
Underwater, Marisa Reichardt’s wonderful debut, is a book about the debilitating depths of fear and the stunning power of courageous hope. It begs to Underwater, Marisa Reichardt’s wonderful debut, is a book about the debilitating depths of fear and the stunning power of courageous hope. It begs to be read in one sitting and commands to be felt deeply. Underwater is a story about Morgan, a 16-year-old girl suffering from agoraphobia after a traumatic event. Morgan hasn’t left the house in months – she attends school online, has her own little rituals while her family is away and she meets her pro bono therapist in her own living room. Even the thought of going outside makes her panic until the right motivation comes along.
When I talk about motivation, I want it to be clear that Evan, the boy that moves in next door, isn’t some easy fix for her illness. I was afraid of that approach when I first read the description, but Reichardt was very careful not to make it seem superficial and easy. She gave Morgan time to heal on her own. Morgan was pushed by her desire to spend time with Evan, but there were so many steps she needed to take first and all of them had very little to do with him.
Morgan’s issues aren’t the only thing she faces in this book. Her father struggles with mental illness and alcoholism after many tours in Afghanistan. Morgan doesn’t understand how her father could abandon his family. She can’t forgive him for time lost and for choosing to be homeless rather than live with them. This was, perhaps, the most genuine, honest part of the book. I love that Morgan had to go through her own condition and disappointments in order to better understand her dad. Their (non)relationship was done exceptionally well and I admire Marisa Reichardt for approaching the subject so tactfully. Once again, no easy fixes were offered because such things simply don’t exist in life, but one could take away a strong message of hope even with the open ending and issues that were left unresolved.
I love Reichardt’s style mostly because it’s understated. She knows how to convey genuine emotions without resorting to cheap tear-jerkers. The things she introduced in Underwater are some of the biggest open wounds of modern society and yet they were done sensitively and thoughtfully. I can’t wait to see what she does next.