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kcrockford's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Graphic: Child death, Death, Antisemitism, and Murder
Moderate: Grief and Suicide attempt
Minor: Drug use and Death of parent
boba_nbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Written in a dual timeline, The Broken Girls tells the story of Vermont in the 1950s as well as in 2014. In the 50s, we follow four girls who were sent to Idlewild Hall--a boarding school for "troubled" girls. Each girl has their own struggles and reasons for ending up at Idlewild, and they come together to support each other and protect themselves until one of them goes missing. In 2014, Fiona is a journalist whose sister's body was dumped near Idlewild Hall years ago. Her sister's murderer has been in jail for quite some time, but Fiona wonders if there isn't more to the story. At the same time, someone is trying to restore Idlewild Hall, for reasons Fiona could never imagine, as she has heard nothing but horror stories from that school. Fiona discovers long-forgotten secrets of the school that tie back to her sister, and she will stop at nothing to find the truth and justice for the living and the dead.
I love how St. James creates dual timelines that slowly begin to relate to each other and reveal more as you continue reading. I thought the four girls from the 1950s were better characters than Fiona from 2014, though I did still appreciate her motivations and character development.
This well-written mystery/thriller will keep you on your toes and make you think about what you consider "justice."
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Antisemitism, and Grief
Moderate: Child death, Sexual assault, Murder, and Sexual harassment
foldingthepage_kayleigh's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Child death, Confinement, Death, Genocide, Rape, Police brutality, Antisemitism, Medical content, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Murder
Minor: Suicide attempt and Pregnancy
exlibrissum's review against another edition
3.0
Graphic: Child death, Confinement, Death, Sexual assault, Police brutality, and Murder
Moderate: Child abuse, Forced institutionalization, Antisemitism, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Abandonment
karenschlesser's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Moderate: Bullying and Grief
dalek_caan's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Police brutality, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Gun violence, Mental illness, Antisemitism, and Abandonment
Minor: Violence and War
aliteracja's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
Moderate: Child death, Death, Violence, Grief, Murder, and War
Minor: Antisemitism and Suicide attempt
pibblemama97's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Child death, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Genocide, Gun violence, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Antisemitism, Kidnapping, Grief, Suicide attempt, Murder, and War
alsndra's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
- I found the chapters set in the 1950s to be more interesting than the chapters set in 2014. This was because I wanted to know more about the girls than Fiona and her life.
- I liked the elements of the paranormal, it definitely added some eeriness and mystery to the school setting.
- Wasn’t a fan of all the leads and names I had to keep up with and remember.
Graphic: Death, Genocide, Suicide, Police brutality, and Grief
Moderate: Death, Drug use, Rape, Sexual assault, and Antisemitism
alliedelexa's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, and Antisemitism
Minor: Addiction, Cursing, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Hate crime, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Medical trauma, Murder, and Gaslighting