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wrinklysphynx's review against another edition
4.25
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Rape, and Self harm
phoebew29's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Medical content, and Gaslighting
folklorisms's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Graphic: Alcoholism, Body shaming, Bullying, Domestic abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, Alcohol, and Dysphoria
moonpeach's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, and Rape
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Self harm
fionnanilsson's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Self harm, and Sexual assault
rachela_7's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Eating disorder, Self harm, Toxic relationship, and Sexual harassment
highbeamhoney95's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Infidelity, and Rape
zreadz's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
What started out as a book that seemed like it would investigate the inner turmoil of toxic relationships and the misogynistic views imposed on women from a young age, turned into an unhinged societal stream of consciousness read.
While some may find a certain allure in watching a train wreck, there was no redeeming moment for the protagonist, and nothing left me with even a hint of hope for womanhood. The narrative felt like a continuous stream of trauma, with some scenes so graphic in their depiction of sexual violence that it seemed like a fantasy for the particularly depraved.
I did relate to the protagonist’s inner conflicts surrounding men, body image, and navigating one’s 20s as a woman trying to reconcile societal expectations with a desire to find one’s true self. However, the end of the book left me feeling confused, irritated, and afraid. Is this the journey women must go through to find themselves? Are we defined by our relationships, our willingness to be alone, are we destined to fail in life if we have trauma? I struggled to understand the message the book was trying to convey and almost wanted to forget about it altogether. It almost reminded me of the premise of Bell Hooks’ Communion and new wave feminism.
It felt like reading a bad omen. This book is like Normal People, but with both protagonists being insufferable, having extreme unresolved trauma, and breaking up in a horrifically violent and crude manner. This was not the read I was expecting or wanting. Maybe that’s the message?
Graphic: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
pookiee's review against another edition
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Animal death
gladysreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Graphic: Addiction, Domestic abuse, Self harm, and Sexual assault