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A review by betweentheshelves
Bright Red Fruit by Safia Elhillo
emotional
reflective
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
5.0
I'm on a marathon of novels in verse on audio, and I'm totally okay with that. Though not necessarily an easy read, this book was an in-depth look at the way some adult men prey on teenage girls. Looking at this situation from Samira's point of view, who has been constantly rejected by her community and is just looking for acceptance, the betrayal at the end is especially heartbreaking.
The way the Persephone myth is woven throughout this text works so well to drive that point home, that these men prey on teen girls because they're vulnerable and they find them to be easy targets. Elhillo's verse is also beautiful, and as always, I recommend listening to novels in verse, especially when they are read by the author. This is a quick read, but one that really packs a punch.
The way the Persephone myth is woven throughout this text works so well to drive that point home, that these men prey on teen girls because they're vulnerable and they find them to be easy targets. Elhillo's verse is also beautiful, and as always, I recommend listening to novels in verse, especially when they are read by the author. This is a quick read, but one that really packs a punch.
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Sexual assault, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Sexual violence
Minor: Violence