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Emily May's Reviews > Bastard Out of Carolina
Bastard Out of Carolina
by
I hated and I loved this book. Even as I felt myself burning with fury at the injustice, even as I felt so empty and sad for Bone, I couldn't look away. I love stories about scrappy "ugly" girls who aren't afraid to bite back at life when it bites them in the ass.
This book really is vicious and horrible, and contains graphic scenes of abuse, rape, and racial slurs. But at the same time it is a good ol' bildungsroman, a coming-of-age tale about Ruth Anne Boatwright "Bone", who shines from the page with passion and anger that made me feel like I was burning too, being consumed by this awful book.
It's a very compelling story about poverty, family, and a young girl's journey from childhood to adolescence. Bone is one tough cookie, often a silent observer of those around her, watching family dynamics play out and noting the imbalanced relationships between the haggard women of her family and the men they love.
Each of her aunts and uncles adds something special to this story, each a unique and important character. I myself grew up with an assortment of quirky aunts and uncles who played major roles in my early life and hold a special place in my heart, so perhaps that is why this resonated with me so keenly.
Many parts of the book hit hard, not least the ending. I loved Bone for being so spirited and fierce, yet felt sad that someone so young was forced into a position where she had to be.
by
Things come apart so easily when they have been held together with lies.
I hated and I loved this book. Even as I felt myself burning with fury at the injustice, even as I felt so empty and sad for Bone, I couldn't look away. I love stories about scrappy "ugly" girls who aren't afraid to bite back at life when it bites them in the ass.
This book really is vicious and horrible, and contains graphic scenes of abuse, rape, and racial slurs. But at the same time it is a good ol' bildungsroman, a coming-of-age tale about Ruth Anne Boatwright "Bone", who shines from the page with passion and anger that made me feel like I was burning too, being consumed by this awful book.
It's a very compelling story about poverty, family, and a young girl's journey from childhood to adolescence. Bone is one tough cookie, often a silent observer of those around her, watching family dynamics play out and noting the imbalanced relationships between the haggard women of her family and the men they love.
Men could do anything, and everything they did, no matter how violent or mistaken, was viewed with humor and understanding.
Each of her aunts and uncles adds something special to this story, each a unique and important character. I myself grew up with an assortment of quirky aunts and uncles who played major roles in my early life and hold a special place in my heart, so perhaps that is why this resonated with me so keenly.
Many parts of the book hit hard, not least the ending. I loved Bone for being so spirited and fierce, yet felt sad that someone so young was forced into a position where she had to be.
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Bastard Out of Carolina.
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Reading Progress
March 28, 2021
– Shelved
June 23, 2022
–
Started Reading
June 27, 2022
–
Finished Reading
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Diane
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Jul 06, 2022 04:27PM
Ugh. I read this shortly after it came out and, for better or worse, will never ever forget it!
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Been a longtime follower of yours and originally got and planned to read this book back in spring 2020. The content was a bit much for me at the time so I shelved and just sort of forgot about it but this review is making me consider giving it another shot. I also love the kind of protagonists you described and have been wanting to read more books with them so hopefully this one works out!
A.O. wrote: "Been a longtime follower of yours and originally got and planned to read this book back in spring 2020. The content was a bit much for me at the time so I shelved and just sort of forgot about it b..."I can definitely understand that. It's such a dark read and I wouldn't recommend it if you're not in a good place. I do hope you're able to give it another shot someday as Bone is a character who will stay with me.
The title of the book is terrific! Emily I am new to GR with my new book and am impressed with the description of your love/hate relationship with the Bastard Out of Carolina. The vivid tales of abuse versus Ruth’s rise through the turbulence. Will add to my shelf. Appreciate your prose!
