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mmariangarzon's review against another edition
4.0
Too personal but also too impersonal and I don´t know how that makes me feel. A history of dependency, excess and messy relationships. It´s really good.
susie_and's review against another edition
4.0
I thought this book was just another book by a smart Irish woman sad about a man and struggling to find herself but it is much more about bodies, control and choices that seem to be made for us as woman who were brought up to be romantically interested in man. the flash forwards were not really useful in my reading, did not offer a reprieve or growth moment which would have made it more balanced. it's quite a grim read on the whole, but my copy contained a delightful interview with the author which made me understand that everything that wrinkled my brow had been intentional. almost all the protagonist actions I seemed to hate appeared to be critique of what motivates young women do this. or not necessarily always critique, just a highlight of these troubles or patterns. particular credit to the way love is portrayed as panacea for everything that befalls us, and constantly reinforced this way to women of all ages actually. there is a breathless nihilism that keeps you turning the page hoping something will change.. but it won't. not for this person. her underlying motivation for everything was overall a bit grey but anyway, impact made and now I intend to proceed with more patience for the anti heroine
spo0kyayden's review against another edition
4.0
So close to a five!
“It was already so near to impossible to say no to a man, so difficult to accept the possibility of being hurt or disliked or shouted at. It takes so much out of you to make yourself say no when you have been taught to say yes, to be accommodating, to make men happy.”
― Megan Nolan, Acts of Desperation
“It was already so near to impossible to say no to a man, so difficult to accept the possibility of being hurt or disliked or shouted at. It takes so much out of you to make yourself say no when you have been taught to say yes, to be accommodating, to make men happy.”
― Megan Nolan, Acts of Desperation
larizamarie's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- 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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Self harm, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Alcoholism, Drug use, and Eating disorder
Minor: Vomit
larkspurlane's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
dpageteach00's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
Acts of Desperation by Megan Nolan is a raw and deeply introspective novel that transcends the familiar narrative of falling for someone unsuitable or unloving. It delves into the societal expectations and pressures women face, shining a harsh light on the sacrifices and self-deceptions we endure in pursuit of validation, love, and happiness. For me, it struck an especially painful chord, reflecting my own experiences of contorting myself—both mentally and physically—to fit into an image of what I thought men wanted, believing their affection would bring fulfillment.
This is not a comfortable read; it’s often unsettling and unflinchingly honest. But it is also profoundly illuminating, exposing the flawed logic and emotional turmoil that many women, including myself, have carried in our relationships. Nolan’s work is a mirror to the discomforting truths of dependency, self-worth, and the sacrifices made in the name of love.
For more book reviews follow me at : https://coffeechalk.wordpress.com/2025/01/26/villainized/
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yesitsmebre's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
heyitsmrworldwide's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
aricleopvtra's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 -
Would have been four stars if not for the quasi epilogue that spoon feeds you the themes of the book
Would have been four stars if not for the quasi epilogue that spoon feeds you the themes of the book